Funding/NHS funding for the GEP courses from 2012 entry

**gep2010** · 24-11-2010, 02:36 AM

Has anyone heard/read anything with regards to what's going to happen when the fees increase kicks in?

Do we think the NHS is still going to pay the full fees for 3 of the 4 years or is it all going to change somewhat?

Just be interested to know that's all

**DPSM** · 24-11-2010, 02:51 AM

Originally Posted by gep2010

Has anyone heard/read anything with regards to what's going to happen when the fees increase kicks in?

Do we think the NHS is still going to pay the full fees for 3 of the 4 years or is it all going to change somewhat?

Just be interested to know that's all

NHS funded courses are not within the remit of BIS (it is up to the Department of Health to decide whether or not to fund them I think).

As to fee liability, there has been no indication at all I'm afraid. We're unlikely to get any answers before January/February now as it looks like this is when the Government is likely to present its White Paper to Parliament.

**gep2010** · 30-11-2010, 02:21 AM

There was a Q&A session on TSR with David Willetts today so I took the chance to ask this very question. His response was 'I am discussing this with Andrew Lansley and we aim to get a solution asap.' So whilst it isn't an answer, at least we know it is being discussed and hasn't been shoved under the carpet

**DPSM** · 30-11-2010, 03:12 AM

Originally Posted by gep2010

There was a Q&A session on TSR with David Willetts today so I took the chance to ask this very question. His response was 'I am discussing this with Andrew Lansley and we aim to get a solution asap.' So whilst it isn't an answer, at least we know it is being discussed and hasn't been shoved under the carpet

"A solution" sounds ominous. Anything that asks prospective students to cough up the £9k tuition fee up front will immediately exclude access for all but the wealthy.

**gep2010** · 30-11-2010, 03:29 AM

Originally Posted by DPSM

"A solution" sounds ominous. Anything that asks prospective students to cough up the £9k tuition fee up front will immediately exclude access for all but the wealthy.

I may have written in my original question that having to stump up the £9000 a year for 4 years was a little unfair on graduates.

**DPSM** · 30-11-2010, 03:39 AM

Originally Posted by gep2010

I may have written in my original question that having to stump up the £9000 a year for 4 years was a little unfair on graduates.

I think even stumping up £9k for the first year is unreasonable. If the Tories start pontificating about how people who want to follow this route should take out Private Loans then it's game over for widening access.

**gep2010** · 30-11-2010, 03:52 AM

Originally Posted by DPSM

I think even stumping up £9k for the first year is unreasonable. If the Tories start pontificating about how people who want to follow this route should take out Private Loans then it's game over for widening access.

Totally agree. I'm just hoping my final choice comes through *crosses paws*

**DPSM** · 30-11-2010, 04:30 AM

Originally Posted by gep2010

Totally agree. I'm just hoping my final choice comes through *crosses paws*

Yes fingers crossed.

**hodiurnal** · 30-11-2010, 04:55 AM

Gep finance system is already totally unfair so dont hold your breath! Although 9k is a pretty frigging reasonable total if they keep funding the 2,3,4 years fees dont you think?

**DPSM** · 30-11-2010, 05:21 AM

Originally Posted by hodiurnal

Gep finance system is already totally unfair so dont hold your breath! Although 9k is a pretty frigging reasonable total if they keep funding the 2,3,4 years fees dont you think?

How would you raise £9k? I would certainly find it very difficult. I live with my girlfriend, have huge outgoings and just about try to keep a social life going. The prospect of being able to raise £9k would be extremely difficult for me and yet there are people in far worse circumstances than mine.

If the Government want to train doctors who go on to work for them then they should be willing to pay for it. Frankly there are much less strenuous, better paying career options I and a lot of other people could pursue but choose not to because we believe in public service and we are passionate about the subject matter.

The BMA student committee's proposal of forgiveable loans for those who take up employment in the National Health Service seems to be the best idea.

Why is it the case that a prospective Nurse can enter higher education in a totally risk free manner that is free at the point of entry, and yet the doctor must potentially risk tens of thousands of pounds worth of personal debt? The idea is frankly insane - especially when you consider that the National Health Service simply would not function without the contribution of doctors.

It is this sort of treatment which is encouraging so many junior doctors to simply leave the country and work abroad - or flock to the private sector.