Pay growth and joined-up approach to care are key to NHS plan

Commenting on the launch of the government consultation for its ten-year health plan, UNISON head of health Helga Pile said today (Monday):

“The previous government mismanaged the NHS for years, leaving services in a perilous state and workers exhausted.

“Staff will welcome the chance to have their views considered. But it’s hard for health workers to think about the future of the NHS, when they’re worried about their growing workload and making their wages go far enough.

“The government must tackle urgent pay issues straight away and work with unions to negotiate the next wage rise due in April in good time. That means fixing problems with the pay bands and stopping the lowest hourly rates from dropping below the minimum wage again.

“Using technology more effectively is vital and the views of medical secretaries, ward clerks, administrators and others who struggle daily with outdated record systems must be heard.

“If a digital shift is to be successful, staff at all levels must receive the necessary skills, training and career support.

“An emphasis on neighbourhood health centres will reassure many patients but must be joined up with the government’s aim to replace the fragmented care sector with a new national service.

“What’s needed for the healthcare system to work properly is a comprehensive workforce strategy that unites and invests in all staff equally. That requires an end to hiving off some employees to private companies and ensuring all health workers benefit from nationally negotiated pay and conditions.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service, and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary, and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

The article Pay growth and joined-up approach to care are key to NHS plan first appeared on the UNISON National site.