During my time studying to become a dietitian in Scotland, placement (where we shadow working dietitians) has been a vital part of the course curriculum. This is where we learn our core skills, gain confidence in the clinical environment and put into practise what we have learnt.

However, being from Northern Ireland means that there is no financial support in place to cover the extra cost that placement incurs. This is the same scenario for any allied health profession (AHP) and nursing students studying in Scotland who are not from Scotland. Therefore, funding for accommodation and travel costs has to be provided from our own personal finances. For student dietitians and many other AHP courses, our placement is often located outwith the city where we study.

In my case, I study in Edinburgh but my placement was in Angus (almost 2 and a half hours away from Edinburgh). I had to cover both my travel and accommodation costs which amounted to over £1000, putting a real strain on my already expensive living costs - many AHP students are in a similar position.

For medical students this barrier of cost for clinical placements does not exist - so why should it for AHPs?

Does the NHS not push the message that all members of multidisciplinary teams are valued?

I believe that such costs are a barrier to all students, especially those who are supporting themselves financially. Such costs incurred could also prevent individuals from accessing the course in the first place, meaning only those who have the financial means can apply for this course. This reduces the diversity within all AHP courses, in turn reducing the diversity of the future NHS workforce. 

I ask you to sign this petition asking the NHS to take action and provide equal funding for all NHS placements.