Skill, energy and compassion

Since my last editorial, we have a new Prime Minister and we have finally left Europe. So, I hear you cry, what's different? I was pleased to hear Boris Johnson say, ‘Nurses epitomise everything that makes the NHS so revered across the world—skill, compassion, energy and dedication’ (Prime Minister's Office, 2019).

Within 6 days of the last general election came the announcement that, from September 2020, nursing students are to receive a payment of £5000 that they will not have to pay back. An estimated 35 000 students will benefit from this. Good news indeed, but absolutely vital for the future of nursing in the UK. It is part of the pledge to increase nursing numbers by 50 000 over the next 5 years. A further £3000 is available in certain circumstances and thus £8000 may be available for some students (Prime Minister's Office, 2019a).