MP for Taunton Deane Rebecca Pow has reacted to NHS front-line staff decision to go on strike in Somerset.

The paramedics and emergency care assistants strike is going to affect every ambulance station in Somerset tomorrow, Wednesday, December 21, with workers joining picket lines outside all these stations except Glastonbury, Frome, and Wincanton.

MP Rebecca Pow said: "I am extremely grateful for the dedication of nursing staff in very difficult circumstances over the last three years.

“I appreciate that the challenge of working in the NHS during the pandemic, and through the current period when the demand for patient care is very high, has taken a significant toll on nurses.

“And I am fully aware that the last few years have amplified existing challenges in the nursing workforce, such as the ability to retain experienced nursing staff to continue working in the NHS.

“These are all issues I engage with Health Ministers on, on a regular basis. I have also engaged locally in terms of training provisions provided for nurses and have been pleased that there are opportunities to train locally which are proving popular.

“In relation to NHS pay more broadly, the Government fully recognises the cost-of-living pressures facing NHS staff. Recommendations around pay for nurses are made by independent pay review bodies, who consider a range of factors including the cost of living, recruitment, and retention.

“This year, most nurses have received around a 4-5 per cent pay rise, dependent on where they are in their band.

Full-time basic pay for newly qualified nurses starting at the bottom of Band 5 will increase by £1,400 – equivalent to a nearly 5.5 per cent pay rise.

“This means that newly qualified nurses will typically earn over £31,000 a year including overtime and unsocial hours payments with more experienced nurses earning more. Importantly, our nurses will also receive a pension contribution worth 20 per cent of their salary.

“Ultimately, it is a decision for nurses to decide whether to take industrial action. In these challenging times for everyone and given the economic circumstances facing us, consideration must be given as to whether the RCN's demand for a 19 per cent pay rise is affordable at this time.

“I do have concerns about the impact on patient care and I’ve been assured by Ministerial colleagues there are tried and tested plans to minimise disruption and ensure emergency services continue to operate.

“I have also sought assurances from the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and I will continue to engage with local health stakeholders to ensure their concerns are passed promptly to Government so that this situation can be resolved.

In the New Year, I’d be happy to take part in an observation shift with local Ambulance workers.

“I realise what a vital role they play - this was brought home to me in particular when my own husband was so ill, and my family were so grateful for their services.”