I think the majority of people I talk to would agree that healthcare professionals deserve a pay rise. This includes nurses, carers, auxiliaries, paramedics, midwives , psychologists, phlebotomists, cardiologists, diabetic nurses... the list is endless. 

Given the crisis brought to us by Coronavirus, healthcare professionals are literally taking their own lives in their hands to help save other people. This risk is not something healthcare professionals are expected to do- they do not take an oath or sign a piece of paper which tells them they must put themselves directly in the firing line. However, that is what many are choosing to do. They have families of their own filled with people who love and care for them, yet still they show up to their work and chose to keep going.

The New Pay Deal which was won and began its implementation last year is a step in the right direction. This 6% pay rise over three years is necessary to bring wages in line with the cost of living- the wages of nurses had not increased in line with inflation in previous years. It is ridiculous that NHS healthcare workers need to ‘fight’ for decent pay it is only fair and necessary to increase pay to ensure people can maintain a good standard of living. In light of what is going on globally healthcare professionals deserve a pay rise.

I would like to call on Government locally and nationally to look at increasing the wages/salaries of our healthcare professionals. In light of the crisis I think it is fair to say these people who work within our NHS are heroes. The term ‘hero’ should not just be banded around by government officials in the hopes this will rally the country together- they should mean what they say. And if they have the courage and honesty to practise what they preach they would have little to no opposition in legislating to ensure a pay rise for healthcare professionals. Especially now when the very same people who are risking their lives to save people are dying doing their jobs. 

There is not a single person in this country who has not been affected by the work of our NHS heroes. From routine check ups and GP appointments, through to complicated surgery and childbirth. If there ever was a time for a call to action now is the time. 

If we do not act there will be many people within the NHS who will be making the decision to leave their positions. From fear and lack of respect felt for their own lives. Please do not let that be that case. Let’s show we care and not just by clapping our hands.

Please sign and share! Let’s put the pressure on to get what the NHS healthcare workers deserve!