On the picket line in South Wales, health visitor Jo Hyde is eager to return to supporting families in Merthyr Tydfil. Jo, 55, from Ogmore in the Vale of Glamorgan, expressed her frustration at being on strike for the first time in her 36-year career. The health visitors, employed by the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB), have been on strike for seven weeks, unlike the resident doctors who recently ended their national strike.
More than 100 health visitors in areas like Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Bridgend have been striking due to a banding decision that resulted in a significant pay gap of £8000 to £9000 annually. They believe that the criteria under the Agenda for Change system for NHS staff have been inconsistently applied across different regions. While in Scotland, health visitors are recognized as Band 7, reflecting their expertise and qualifications, in parts of Wales and England, they are classified as Band 6, leading to disparities in pay.
The health visitors, all female, argue that their skills warrant a Band 7 classification, similar to specialist paramedics, who are predominantly male. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham has voiced support for the health visitors, condemning the disparity in pay as unjust and undervaluing essential staff.
Jenna Terry, a former midwife turned health visitor, emphasized the importance of fair pay and recognition for the vital work they do. Despite their dedication to their profession and the families they serve, the health visitors feel unappreciated and disregarded due to the unequal pay structure.
Although the CTM Health Board claims that the banding for health visitors is consistent with national standards, the health visitors argue that their responsibilities and qualifications justify a higher pay grade. They stress the need for equitable treatment and acknowledgment of their contributions to society.
As the strike continues, the health visitors plan to join a national protest against NHS cuts to jobs and services to demand fair pay and recognition for their essential role in healthcare. Melani Smith, a seasoned health visitor, expressed reluctance in striking but emphasized the necessity to rectify the undervaluation of their profession.
