asked the Minister for Health if certain public health nurses have refused to work at week-ends; if and by whom alternative cover is being arranged by health boards; the rate at which nurses providing such alternative cover are being remunerated for being on call and for individual visits; and if this rate exceeds that paid for the same duties to those public health nurses who have continued to do week-end work and, if so, by how much.
Written Answers. - Public Health Nurses.
162.
A claim made on behalf of public health nurses in respect of week-end work has been the subject of an arbitration hearing. The findings of the arbitration board were rejected by some public health nurses and they have withdrawn their services at week-ends.
Measures have been taken by executive officers of the health boards concerned to deal with the situation. These measures vary from place to place to suit local requirements; they are of a temporary nature and are carried out by trained nurses.
The following are particulars of the various rates being paid:
(a) Saturday—fixed payment of £1.15 plus £1.15 per call; Sunday—fixed payment of £2.30 plus £1.15 per call (these are the rates which obtained prior to the arbitration findings).
(b) Saturday or Sunday—fixed payment of £3 plus £2 per call (these are the rates recommended in the arbitration findings).
(c) Saturday or Sunday—£17.38 per full day worked.
Negotiations are at present in progress and it is hoped that the dispute will be settled shortly.