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Dear sir or madam,
I am writing to raise my concern and disappointment regarding the States of Jersey's approach to the delivery of degree courses to nurses on the island. I was proud when my 18-year-old son decided that he would like to apply to become a Mental Health (MH) Nurse (like his mum). When he passed his International Baccalaureate at Hautlieu School he was able to apply for the programme offered through the States of Jersey as a Campus of Chester University and was offered place to start in February 2018. Since then I have been talking with colleagues regarding the discrimination which is evidence within the funding offered for those entering the nursing profession.
I have become aware that those entering the Acute & General (A&G) degree programme are receiving full funding from the States of Jersey. I have been advised that this is because students are 'taught' on island. Alternatively, those entering the MH, midwifery and paediatric nurse degree pathways are not only expected to pay full tuition fees but also fund accommodation, living and travel expenses for theory placements which take place in Chester.
Both the health minister and CEO for the States have made statements about the need for Jersey to 'grow our own' nurses. This is an ongoing theme due to difficulties in recruitment and retention of nurses. This is a problem across all areas in health including A&G and MH. I moved to Jersey with my family in 2008 and have enjoyed working for the States of Jersey in MH and, as previously stated, felt very proud when my son decided to follow this pathway. He has already been working as a healthcare assistant for the bank, mostly working within Orchard House, the acute psychiatric unit, and finding this very interesting and is inspiring his desire to work in this field. The maturity and compassion impress me he has already shown whilst working there.
I feel it is hugely discriminatory and unhelpful, with the ongoing need to develop our own island workforce of the future, that there is huge cost for one small group of students whilst others are fully funded. There are currently 3 MH nurses entering their 2nd year and my son will be stating with another young man this year. I also know there have been people expressing interest but not applying due to the cost.
I am grateful for your consideration of this matter and would be grateful for any support you can offer in addressing this discrimination and disparity.
Yours faithfully
Elizabeth Auld