Support for newly qualified nurses and midwives must be fully funded

Responding to the announcement of the “Graduate Guarantee” for newly qualified nurses and midwives, the chief executive of NHS Providers. Daniel Elkeles, said:

"It’s good that an important staff concern is being addressed, with better opportunities and support for newly qualified nurses and midwives. 

"But – and it’s a very big ‘but’ – it’s not clear how this will be fully funded, nor what it could mean for other staff groups facing similar challenges. 

"Trust budgets are already under enormous pressure. There is no spare money.

"Any further unfunded measures risk eating into frontline services.

"We look forward to clarification so we can be sure this positive step does not have damaging repercussions."