Student nurses undergoing taxpayer-subsidized training at the University of Essex are now being exposed to lessons in political activism, according to The Mail on Sunday. As part of their degree, trainee nurses have the option to take an eight-week module titled “Advocacy, Activism, and Resistance,” which is taught by Holly Turner, a prominent left-wing campaigner who has encouraged NHS nurses to reject the government’s pay offer and engage in strikes.
Ms. Turner, a qualified nurse and co-founder of the NHS Workers Say NO group, has even called for a general strike, believing that walkouts will weaken the Conservative Party. After a recent lecture, she shared a photo on social media depicting herself in front of a PowerPoint slide labeled “Nurse Activism,” which included the statement that “Political Activism for healthcare workers complements clinical practice.”
It is worth noting that NHS Workers Say NO has ties to the Extinction Rebellion movement, and Ms. Turner has expressed her support for former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, describing him as their “biggest champion and supporter.” She has actively campaigned alongside left-wing figures within the Labour Party, including John McDonnell, Diane Abbott, Richard Burgon, and Zarah Sultana.
As part of their three-year BSc degree at the University of Essex, students are required to choose between the activism module or a Public Mental Health course. These trainee nurses are eligible for £5,000 in taxpayer-funded grants to help cover their annual course fees amounting to £9,250.
The module’s curriculum emphasizes actively resisting practices and policies that negatively impact marginalized groups. The learning outcomes include interpreting the consequences of legislation, public policy, and healthcare policies based on people’s experiences. Students are also expected to develop political awareness, engage in compassionate person-centered activism, and demonstrate solidarity with both patients and colleagues. Keynote speakers, researchers, and individuals with relevant experiences will all contribute to teaching the course.
The University of Essex refutes claims that students are being taught to oppose government policy. Meanwhile, the Royal College of Nursing, in a historic move, initiated strike actions last year over pay disputes. Although some NHS unions have accepted a 5% pay increase and a one-time payment, both the RCN and Unite members rejected the offered deal. However, nurses’ strikes recently ended after the RCN failed to secure enough votes for further action.
In response, NHS Workers Say NO released a statement affirming that the fight for fair pay and the protection of the NHS is far from over. They highlighted the importance of organizing in workplaces, maintaining solidarity among the NHS workforce, and preparing for future pay negotiations.
Dr. Caroline Johnson, a consultant and Tory MP on the Commons Health Select Committee, expressed concern over the inclusion of political activism in nursing students’ education. She believes that their primary focus should be on learning to provide excellent patient care, rather than being influenced by the political views of left-wing individuals. Dr. Johnson finds it worrying that students have to choose between this module and the crucial topic of Public Mental Health.
The University of Essex clarified that Ms. Turner was not remunerated for her guest lecture and emphasized that their aim is not to teach students to oppose government policy but to advocate for patients and the interests of those with underserved health needs. The nursing and midwifery courses, including the module in question, have received approval from the regulatory body, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and have undergone rigorous internal evaluation processes.
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