I am a newly qualified staff nurse, burdened with over £60,000 worth of debt after three years of university study. My journey into nursing has been marked by resilience and determination, yet the crisis in our profession is palpable. We are understaffed and overworked, leading to unsafe conditions that threaten the future of our National Health Service (NHS).

The NHS is currently experiencing a staffing crisis with an estimated 40,000 nursing vacancies in England alone (source: Royal College of Nursing). This shortage not only compromises patient safety but also places immense pressure on existing staff. The high cost of obtaining a nursing degree further exacerbates this issue by deterring potential candidates from entering the profession.

We propose that the government make Nursing Degree courses free and accessible to all as a solution to this dire situation. By eliminating financial barriers to education, we can attract more individuals into the profession thereby alleviating staffing pressures within the NHS.

This isn't just about nurses; it's about ensuring quality healthcare for everyone in our country. It's time we invest in those who care for us when we're at our most vulnerable.

Please sign this petition if you believe in safeguarding our NHS through investing in its workforce - making nursing degrees free and accessible for all!