Earlier this year, it was reported that Canberra Health Services was not meeting nurse-to-patient ratios; but CHS was confident that a new financial assistance program from the ACT Government would turn the tide.

So far, more than 200 nursing, midwifery and allied health students in the ACT have been approved for the Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Study Incentive Program.

The program, announced in November, supports students at the University of Canberra and Australian Catholic University, and is administered by those institutions.

It offers a Cost of Living Stipend of $3,000 each year over three years, and Placement Support Grants of up to $1,000 per placement.

Most of the Placement Support Grant applications are from UC students attending clinical placements that last more than three weeks.

“UC’s graduates form the backbone of the health workforce in Canberra, and these financial incentives ensure that our students receive the support they need to focus on their studies and attend crucial clinical placements,” Professor Jennie Scarvell, deputy dean of the Faculty of Health, said.

ACT health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the early take-up of the financial incentives during the program’s first semester was encouraging. Further applications for this semester are still pending.

“Clinical placements are integral to a student’s learning and experience, but we know they can be a financial burden,” Ms Stephen-Smith said. “Students will often need to cancel shifts or take time off work to focus on their placements, causing financial stress and worry.”