Menu
13/12/2021
DUP Calls For Reform Of Health Service Workforce Management
The DUP has called for a major reform in the health service workforce management, after it was revealed that some shifts are costing over £800 to cover by agency staff.
Making the call, Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erksine, said: "Our nurses are brilliant. They are angels working with huge responsibility which is taking an enormous physical and emotional toll on them.
"These figures show that Health Trusts are failing to manage their workforce. Setting aside the hugely inflated costs for shift cover, how does a shift in one Trust cost £200 more than in another.
"I have spoken to scores of nurses who are hugely experienced, but they work for agencies rather than full time in the Trust as it suits their work life balance. Whilst agency work is better paid, there is no pension or holiday pay. We must also remember that the agency will take an enormous cut for each shift from those amounts. It would be wrong to think that an nurse is getting £840 for a shift.
"I have asked the Minister to bring forward proposals which would end the hugely inefficient use of agencies and make the job better suited to the needs of the workforce.
"This is not the fault of our hardworking nurses, this is the fault of management."
Making the call, Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Deborah Erksine, said: "Our nurses are brilliant. They are angels working with huge responsibility which is taking an enormous physical and emotional toll on them.
"These figures show that Health Trusts are failing to manage their workforce. Setting aside the hugely inflated costs for shift cover, how does a shift in one Trust cost £200 more than in another.
"I have spoken to scores of nurses who are hugely experienced, but they work for agencies rather than full time in the Trust as it suits their work life balance. Whilst agency work is better paid, there is no pension or holiday pay. We must also remember that the agency will take an enormous cut for each shift from those amounts. It would be wrong to think that an nurse is getting £840 for a shift.
"I have asked the Minister to bring forward proposals which would end the hugely inefficient use of agencies and make the job better suited to the needs of the workforce.
"This is not the fault of our hardworking nurses, this is the fault of management."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 October 2022
Swann To Reduce Agency Spending In Health And Social Care
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced new measures to reduce expenditure on agency staffing within health and social care and to eliminate the use of off-contract agencies. The use of off-contract agencies has contributed significantly to an increase in agency staff expenditure over the last decade.
Swann To Reduce Agency Spending In Health And Social Care
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced new measures to reduce expenditure on agency staffing within health and social care and to eliminate the use of off-contract agencies. The use of off-contract agencies has contributed significantly to an increase in agency staff expenditure over the last decade.
27 July 2022
Infrastructure Minister Visits Those Affected By Flooding
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has met with residents and business owners affected by flooding in the North West.
Infrastructure Minister Visits Those Affected By Flooding
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has met with residents and business owners affected by flooding in the North West.
03 February 2022
Justice Ministers Announce New Cross Border Cooperation Agreement
A new two-year plan to enhance cross border criminal justice cooperation has been agreed by Justice Minister Naomi Long and her Southern counterpart, Helen McEntee.
Justice Ministers Announce New Cross Border Cooperation Agreement
A new two-year plan to enhance cross border criminal justice cooperation has been agreed by Justice Minister Naomi Long and her Southern counterpart, Helen McEntee.
11 June 2021
Nine People Arrested In Cross Border Operation
Eight men and one woman have been arrested by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) as part of a cross border investigation targeting the organised illegal drug criminality linked to the INLA in Derry/Londonderry. The suspects, aged between 27 and 42, were arrested in the Derry/Londonderry and Limavady areas.
Nine People Arrested In Cross Border Operation
Eight men and one woman have been arrested by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) as part of a cross border investigation targeting the organised illegal drug criminality linked to the INLA in Derry/Londonderry. The suspects, aged between 27 and 42, were arrested in the Derry/Londonderry and Limavady areas.
21 July 2017
Belfast Actors' Agent Banned For 10 Years
A Belfast actors' agent has been banned from operating any employment agency for 10 years. Mr Mark Butler of Universal Artists Belfast was prohibited following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Belfast Actors' Agent Banned For 10 Years
A Belfast actors' agent has been banned from operating any employment agency for 10 years. Mr Mark Butler of Universal Artists Belfast was prohibited following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
