MEDICAL students are having to cut their spending on essentials as they struggle with costs during their courses, a survey published today reveals.

The British Medical Association (BMA) is warning that the poorest students are at a disadvantage that could be jeopardising their future careers in the health service and risking losing a much-needed NHS workforce.

Its survey found that just over 60 per cent of students reported having to cut down on essentials like food, heating and clothing, while almost one in 25 students reported accessing foodbanks.