50,000 signatures reached
To: Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD
Pay student nurses and midwives!
We are calling on the Minister for Health to end the exploitation of student nurses and midwives. He should:
1. Pay all final-year interns the same rate as healthcare assistants
2. Increase and expand the clinical placement allowance for all other students
3. Provide full health and safety protection to all students, including payment if they have to go on COVID-related leave
Why is this important?
Student nurses and midwives have been doing incredible work during the pandemic, but it's gone unpaid.
They face the same COVID risks as any other healthcare worker and the same bills, but get nothing for their work.
Worse, many have had to give up their weekend jobs due to the risk of cross-infection, meaning no income to cover fees, rent, transport or other bills.
They are the future of nursing and midwifery in Ireland and need to be supported.