EDI Council Meeting

18 Jan

Written By MSRC

NHS bursary was discussed and how current support available is not sufficient for most students.

BMA statistics surrounding medical students were given to reinforce this – 44% of are expected to run out of money before the end of the year; 1 in 7 will apply for hardship funding and 1 in 25 will use foodbanks.
Travel reimbursement needs to be more equitable e.g., some hospitals engage in reimbursement unlike GP’s, some students can barely afford to travel to placement, having to travel far compared to a more well-off student who is in Leeds (Lack of Equity)
Was discussed how funding model shift and lack of awareness around funding perpetuates a dangerous conspiracy of silence as most students are unaware of major financial burdens they will incur as they progress through the MBChB.
Lack of equal opportunities for electives – Major financial barrier stopping students taking on a compulsory elective other than Leeds is a poor system that needs to change to guarantee more diverse opportunities for medical students.

The scheme is good at getting students onto the course, but this support dissipates once students are enrolled.
Due to busy medical student timetables, students can’t attend some events offered by the plus programme.
Main issue bough up is that Access to Leeds doesn’t directly address needs of medical students – needs to be more specific opportunities.
Linked with financial topic – the scheme needs to integrate financial support more for students coming onto and staying onto course amid cost-of-living crisis – more funding more scholarships and bursaries.

Due to the nature and duration of the meeting a full discussion could not proceed as a result, however points were forwarded.
As conflict escalates students are becoming more affected by the civilian death and destruction in the middle east.
Rise in islamophobia and antisemitism should be a university concern – What is the university doing about this?
Chaplain joining IDF has sparked outrage amongst students – although not a school of medicine issue it was still put forward (with a statement and clarity requested).
Some students unhappy with disproportionate response on solidarity with Palestine compared to Ukraine war – some students uncomfortable with disproportionate university agenda.
Statement was given in meeting about acknowledging the horror going on and directed where students should go for support whether that be reporting abuse or seeking support.
Overall, a full discussion couldn’t take place as it was a School of Medicine meeting, points were still brought up regardless to honour the countless number of students who are concerned with the conflict.

Campaign introduced in the meeting with posters and commentary from Kate Summers.
Discussion took place in meeting mainly regarding feedback.
Kate asked for us to share this with students for additional feedback prior to launch – this was done.

Leeds MSRC