Working as an Emergency Department Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) is no easy task. The weight of responsibility, the pace, and the nature of the emergencies we face daily requires not just skill and resilience, but an immense dedication to care. Yet, despite the critical role we play in the healthcare system, our current Band 3 salary does not reflect the demanding nature of our duties, especially when compared to counterparts across the rest of the health board.

As a Band 3 HCSW, our job description often falls short of encapsulating all the extra responsibilities and pressures we routinely undertake. From managing complex cases, providing critical support during emergencies, and helping with essential medical procedures—our workload extends far beyond the minimalist outline of our roles. This kind of service is vital to the functioning of our health system, and yet, it is undervalued and under-recognized.

In comparison to other departments within the health board, A&E HCSWs bear a heavier share of emergency situations, but the disparity in our compensation does not reflect this. According to studies by the National Health Service (NHS), the average workload in A&E settings has surged by over 30% in the past few years. Despite these growing demands, our pay remains stagnant, demotivating, and unsustainable for the level of care we deliver.

We believe that aligning the compensation of A&E HCSWs to Band 4 or a higher salary will not only provide fair recognition of the critical services we render but also help boost morale, reduce turnover, and encourage more commitment towards improving patient care.

The disparity in salary unreasonably burdens those dedicated to frontline emergency care. Recognizing this discrepancy, we urge the health board and relevant authorities to review and amend our job banding to reflect our true workload and contribution.

Join us in calling for a reassessment of our roles and appropriate adjustment in our pay scale. Sign this petition to support a fair salary for A&E Healthcare Support Workers, so we can continue to provide essential care for all those in need.