Pay bandings for paramedics and EMTs

A few months ago we began discussions regarding pay bandings for operation paramedics and EMTs, as reported in the UNISON April newsletter. Discussions have continued between myself and Fraer Stevenson, Unison Branch Secretary.

The work carried out by our frontline staff is our critical function, and we are jointly very keen to so everything we can to retain existing staff, as well as making sure new staff are recruited and well supported. Many experienced staff have already come forward offering to be mentors. This is really appreciated and is another example of the dedication and commitment of our staff.

In order to recognise and acknowledge staff for the additional responsibility of mentoring our new SAPs, and in appreciation of the difficult circumstances you work under, we are reviewing the pay bandings, with a view to enabling our current and experienced operational paramedics and EMTs the opportunity to move up into the next banding. This is something that some other trusts have implemented, including West Midlands Ambulance Service, and exploring this for EEAST is something I and Staffside are keen to progress. The precise details are still being worked on through a similar process to that used in other ambulance trusts, although it’s likely to be linked to a range of additional clinical skills including the mentoring of new staff and supporting student paramedics. The money needed to support these changes will come from internal efficiencies.

In addition to the pay bandings, there are a number of other supportive measures we are working on together to put in place, and these will be communicated as soon as we can. We want to make sure out frontline staff, whether they work in the 999 service, PTS or primary care, have the best possible support in continuing to give outstanding care to patients.

Dr Anthony Marsh

Chief Executive

Published 21st August, 2014

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