They said
with little regret
that most workers
in the NHS
should not expect
a pay rise.
Told to
check facts,
and relish
in a pay deal
agreed
in the past
and despite
the calculations
wreaking
of Tory Maths.
Ears still ringing
from their claps,
another outbreak
of governmental amnesia.
We have never
been pleased
with this apparent
pay deal.
The information
from government
and unions
at the time
was so misleading.
Causing the resignation
of the Chief of the RCN.
They’re in just
as much
of a mess now
as they were then.
Calls of misconduct
within the leadership again.
That pay deal
did nothing to reflect
the decade of neglect
shown to the NHS.
Austerity,
Pay Freezes
lack of investment.
All to the detriment of staff
and their patients.
Those of us left
are bereft,
depressed
and struggling to pay rent.
NHS staff in the queue
at food banks
whilst MP’s claim
for expensive meals out.
How can this be right?
They say
“it’s a vocation,
you didn’t choose this job
for monetary remuneration”
But when your wage
is nowhere near
the rate of inflation
and you’re in a situation
with 100,000 posts vacant.
Surely it’s time to rethink
the value
placed on our occupation?
We are still waiting for that realisation.
Perhaps it’s time
for a little gentle persuasion,
or at least
an explanation
of our frustrations.
Last year
I was diagnosed
with severe depression
and suffering
from suicidal ideation
all due to stress
that was work related.
I worked in A&E
and felt like I was drowning
every shift.
The only nurse
to 15 patients,
sometimes more,
lining the corridors
stacked against walls.
Using equipment
older than me,
struggling
with inadequate resources
I would wonder
how could I possibly
provide the care
these people
deserve to receive?
Due to my experience
more responsibility
was placed on me
caring for patients
with increased complexity.
The lone nurse
in resus
when there should have been
3 of us
with patients acutely unwell.
Coordinating minors
to taking the lead
in cardiac arrests
we do all of it
For £12.50 an hour
That’s with 5 years experience,
before tax and pension deductions
and after
this generous pay rise
came in to force.
All whilst I
was studying for a masters
with no guarantee of progression
during or after.
I nearly jacked it all in,
nearly left my supposed
calling
and I now find myself
back in the same position.
Is my mental health
worth this profession?
Is being forced
to give sub standard care
something I can stomach?
I’m not sure it is to be honest.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed
but I haven’t even mentioned COVID
Yet.
How this latest pay increase
which excludes most Key Workers
was framed
as a thank you
for their efforts fighting COVID 19.
That was the biggest part
of the disrespect
felt by many,
we got
rainbows
and claps
instead.
Which although
HUGELY
appreciated
it unfortunately
didn’t pay
our bills.
We adapted
and adopted
a new role
of soldier
waging war
on Corona.
We swallowed fears
to our
personal safety
providing care
to the infected
with inadequate
PPE.
Crafted aprons
from bin bags,
begged teenage lads
to make visors
on 3D printers they had.
Sewing groups
desperately
creating scrubs
and masks.
The community
came together
the fill the gap
left
by our leaders.
Our generous MP’s
thought the need
to award themselves
£10k each
to accommodate
for changes to working
during COVID 19.
Also a well deserved
increase
to their salaries
for the 8th time
in ten years.
The hypocrisy
is obscene.
Claiming thousands
in expenses
whilst thousands
are taken
from our wages
just to park
at our workplace.
Lining the pockets
of private corporations
rather than the NHS
who desperately
need it.
Not to mention
the sly
privatisation
which has continued
whilst COVID
paralysed
our nation.
Whilst we struggled
to access
adequate protection
the government
restricted
procurement
ensuring
their mates
contracts
were secured
to supply products
either useless
or worse
non-existent.
It’s incredible
how they find the billions
to pay for it all
yet we
apparently need
a magic money tree
to responsibly
fund health
and social care
in this country.
Seems a bit
backwards
to me
along with eighty
thousand
of my colleagues
and supporters
from the public.
The latest snub
was a push too far,
we are tired
of their disregard.
The unions haven’t
shouted
loud enough,
echoes
of top down
management,
we are left
with few
we can trust.
We are fed up
of constantly
being used
to fit political rhetoric
whilst being given
NO VOICE.
No right to an opinion
for fear of losing our jobs
warned of the risk
of bringing disrepute
upon the Trust
or even
the entire profession.
Is it any wonder
the workforce
has complacently
watched on
when they feel no one
is fighting for them?
The pay review body
are far from independent
despite purporting so.
When they are appointed,
paid for
and directed on
what to discuss
BY THE GOVERNMENT
it cannot be seen as free from bias.
So we took it upon
ourselves.
Fear of reprisal
was overtaken
with frustration
and fear of no solution
to recruitment
or retention.
Not only is it about recognition
for the value of our skills
and contribution.
Without commitment
to address the issue,
I’m left
in the same
situation –
no staff,
no resources
and no slack
in the system.
Heading for winter
and a second wave.
Expected
to pick up the pieces
after all other services
ceased,
to cope
with the pressure
of COVID 19
on a neglected
machine.
Despite redundancies
in private companies
our vacancy rate
remains the same
and experienced nurses
are contemplating
walking away
from job security.
What does that say?
If you want good quality
health and social care –
you have to pay.
We aren’t asking
for millionaire status,
just a salary
that is adequate
in representing
our skills
and experience.
So if you clapped for us
weeks ago
we ask that you
stand with us now.
Say NO
to NHS pay inequality
and support
the #NHSpay15
campaign.