We're forcing student nurses into slavery

I HAVE recently been in hospital. There was a young student nurse attending us and doing a good job. He receives no remuneration for his weekly efforts. I organised a petition.

"Minister of Health, Westminster, The student nurses in e-ward Southmead Hospital work diligently and caringly attending us. We understand that under the guise of their university course they are not paid.

"This is humiliating and painful to us patients. This is a modern form of slavery dressed up. Please do something to change it.

"Signed by some 12 sick patients."

That was nearly a month ago, but there has been no acknowledgement.

It is unjust that students who pay for their education should subsidise their employers as well when they gain work experience. This does not happen with apprentices. Indeed, even guide dogs get fed while they are trained.

It is wrongly asserted that, when they graduate, they will be well paid and so it is worth their while. But not everyone can afford it.

RON PRESS
Bristol