Key Summary
- One in eight of the nurses and health visitors working in the NHS are male
- Students in UCAS clearing are being encouraged to consider healthcare degrees
NHS chief nursing officer for England Duncan Burton wants male students to consider nursing as a career and disregard outdated stereotypes.
Burton, who became the first man to hold the post last year, shared his experience of how rewarding a career in nursing can be for both men and women.
The latest figures show just one in eight of the nurses and health visitors working in the NHS are male, with just under 47,300 men compared with nearly 321,200 women.
His appeal comes days after the government showed its commitment to supporting newly-qualified nurses and midwives by launching its Graduate Guarantee, unlocking thousands of jobs and ensuring there are enough positions for every newly-qualified nurse and midwife to apply for this year.
This also comes on the day when thousands of pupils across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland got their crucial exam results, which would decide whether they would progress to university, an apprenticeship, or work.
“I’d encourage all students thinking about nursing to take the next step, and for any men getting their results today not to be put off by outdated stereotypes. Nursing offers opportunities for people from all backgrounds”.
Students in UCAS clearing are being encouraged to consider healthcare degrees, which open the doors to around 300 NHS careers, from nursing and midwifery to becoming an allied health professional such as an occupational therapist, radiographer or podiatrist.
As part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, student nurses will be provided extra support, like faster travel expenses reimbursement and early confirmation of course completion, so that new nurses can start work sooner.
Minister of state for care Stephen Kinnock said, “Today marks an exciting milestone for thousands of young people across the country as they receive their results, and many will be considering a rewarding career in health and social care."
