My daughter, a dedicated fourth year medical student at Newcastle University, is facing an impending financial crisis. Next year, as is the case for every fifth year medical student, she will be ineligible to apply for any funding from Student Finance England (SFE). Her only option will be to apply for a means-tested bursary from the NHS which caps at a maximum of £2,000. This amount does not even cover one third of her annual rent, meaning she and many other medical students have to turn to food banks.

Next year she will be working in hospital wards, unpaid for at least 40 hours every week. This commitment leaves no room for her to take on part-time work to supplement her income. The situation is not unique to my daughter; it affects all fifth-year medical students across the country.

Medical students are crucial contributors to our healthcare system and their education should not be compromised by financial hardship. According to data from the British Medical Association (BMA), there has been an increase in mental health issues among medical students due largely to financial stress.

We urge the government and relevant educational bodies in the UK to reassess this funding policy that puts undue strain on our future doctors during their critical training period. We call upon them not only as concerned parents but as citizens who value quality healthcare services provided by well-trained professionals.

Please sign this petition if you believe that fifth-year medical students deserve adequate funding support so they can focus on their studies and clinical practice without unnecessary financial stress.