Spare a thought for Medical Secretaries says Gardiner
Sam Gardiner MLA, Ulster Unionist Assemblyman for Upper Bann, today called for a new look at the grading of medical secretaries in Northern Ireland.
“I am concerned that, after three years medical secretaries across Northern Ireland have been told that they have been banded across the board as band 3 entry grade medical secretaries. Considering that some of the people have been in post for 30 years, I have to ask the question – what exactly does it take to be raised to the standard band 4 medical secretary grade ?”
“It would appear that the Northern Ireland health trusts have gone out on their own in this instead of waiting for other parts of the country involved in the agenda for change programme. This sends out a terrible message to staff of just how the Trusts view them and value them.”
“I am also led to believe that information on this decision under the freedom of information legislation has been blocked. This is a completely unacceptable way for the trusts as employers to behave.”
“I will be raising the matter with Health Minister Michael McGimpsey, who I know values the work of health professionals to see if anything can be done.”