Rates of Pay
We got quite a few enquiries on Audiology Pay Rates after the recent outrage on Rates of Pay paid by the NHS for staff during the festive season. Unfortunately I do not have good news for you; the NHS just does not see Audiology in the same category as they are seeing the need for Anaesthetics during the Christmas period in A&E departments.
For arguments sake, let us say someone very close to you were in a car accident and need to undergo immediate surgery but there is no anaesthetists around will you be willing to put a cap on the price for the callout of an anaesthetist?
On the other hand, if you were an anaesthetist enjoying dinner with your family and you get an urgent call from the hospital requiring your services will you not put a price to the time and moment lost with your family?
There has to be a balance since there is a lot of leverage on both sides but before we go into debate on how to solve the NHS pay challenges have a look at this perspective. I got it from the Recruitment Consultant magazine:
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation has reacted to the Tory claim of the NHS paying agency staff up to £200 per hour.
Last week the Conservative Party claimed NHS hospitals have been paying agency staff up to almost £200 an hour to cover shifts.
If true then skilled agency staff could be taking home the equivalent of a £1/3m a year.
The Tories also alleged that data also showed some agencies were taking large “cuts” in return for supplying workers to the NHS.
Tom Hadley, external relations director for the REC, which has a healthcare arm, said: “The NHS requires a flexible modern workforce to deliver first class care to patients.
“As part of this, there is a vital role for agency staff who can be drafted in at the last minute to provide specialist cover, and for the recruitment agencies that provide a 24 hour service to ensure that patients receive care around the clock.
“From time to time, a highly skilled professional will be called out at very short notice to provide essential care for a patient and may command a high hourly rate.”
He added: “However, it is misleading to suggest that agency staff routinely receive huge hourly pay rates to cover shifts.
“The reality is that the NHS tightly controls agency staff spend through its procurement procedures.
“In addition it is important to note that the rates quoted will include the agency worker’s wages, holiday pay and national insurance contributions as well as a fee to the agency for the service they provide.”
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