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Clinical Negligence Solicitors

Is the NHS pay cap contributing to staff shortages and increased risks to patient safety? (15 May 2017)

Date: 15/05/2017
Duncan Lewis, Clinical Negligence Solicitors, Is the NHS pay cap contributing to staff shortages and increased risks to patient safety?

It has been reported that NHS staff are quitting due to low salary, with some opting to work in supermarkets due to the “uncompetitive” salary offered by the NHS for high-pressure jobs.

The NHS pay cap limits pay rises to 1% a year, leaving some staff with only £5 more per week following a pay rise, and the cap is believed to be the cause of major recruitment and retention problems for NHS England. Norman Lamb, a former coalition government health minister has criticised the NHS pay restraint for being counterproductive, because these recruitment and retention problems lead to staff shortages, subsequently putting patient safety at risk.

In April 2017, nurses considered whether or not to strike over the issue of low pay, with chief executive of the Royal College of Nurses Janet Davies stating “Nurses should not have to fund the NHS deficit from their own pay packets.” Not only does the cap mean that nurses’ salaries are not in line with inflation, nurses believe that their pay does not take into account the pressure they are under and the stress they are subject to as a result.

Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers explained that both “years of pay restraint and stressful working conditions are taking their toll.” Pay restraint affects recruitment and there are further retention problems due to “working pressures in the health service causing stress and burnout.” As a result, staffs find themselves unable to provide quality care for patients.

Rebecca Thomas, Director of Clinical negligence at Duncan Lewis comments:

“NHS staffs are under increasing pressure and staff shortages are an ongoing problem in some departments. The NHS pay cap needs to be reviewed if the NHS is to retain and recruit the best people to ensure that the quality of patient care remains at acceptable levels”.

Rebecca Thomas is a Director of Clinical Negligence at Duncan Lewis. Rebecca has over 20 years’ experience in her field and represents clients in a wide range of cases including claims involving cosmetic and dental negligence, surgical and orthopaedic injuries arising from delay, misdiagnosis or negligent spinal surgery, gastrointestinal and ophthalmic surgery.

Duncan Lewis Clinical Negligence Solicitors

The Duncan Lewis Clinical Negligence team has significant experience acting in a vast array of claims including birth injuries, cerebral palsy claims, accident and emergency failures, GP negligence claims, misdiagnosed fractures and other medical conditions and wrongful death claims. They also act for children and adults who have suffered profound and permanent brain, spinal or neurological injuries and associated disabilities as a consequence of failings in medical care in both NHS and private hospitals.

If you believe a medical practitioner has made a mistake or you waited too long in a hospital and wish to claim compensation or have any questions about treatment you have received, please do not hesitate to contact our team of specialist clinical negligence solicitors on 0333 772 0409.


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