Our NHS staff deserve more than a medal

ON a daily basis the Government heaps praise on our NHS staff, particularly nurses on the frontline in this war against Covid-19.

Some doctors and nurses have already laid down their lives as they have tried to save others – and no sacrifice is more noble.

There has been talk of all of them being awarded a medal. Perhaps a sort of campaign medal might be appropriate, for without doubt, this is a battle that is not going to be won anytime soon.

Coronavirus will attack until either a vaccine or combative drug has been proved to have an effect.

However, I think nurses, in particular, would be much more appreciative if Government awarded the profession with a real pay rise – not just in line with inflation, something they failed to do last time – an amount that properly recognises how much our nation is in their debt.

Yes, a medal would no doubt be appreciated, but pieces of metal do not pay bills.

Some of today’s nurses have run up substantial debts to get qualified, for bursaries were scrapped in 2017, though they are now to be restored as Government took fright at plunging recruitment numbers.

The work they are undertaking, many at great risk to themselves due to lack of proper protective equipment, needs to be financially recognised.

The same goes for care workers, another body of people that successive governments have failed to properly evaluate. As there is now an ageing population in this country, demand for professional care workers is going to rise.

The structure of the service needs to be addressed to establish a properly rewarded career with opportunities for increasing skills so that recruits are attracted to be involved in a lifetime’s work.

The rates that government and councils currently offer for such care are ludicrously low, which is why care homes are closing up and down the country.

Time to pay a proper reward to those that care for us.

Russell Luckock is chairman of Birmingham pressings firm

AE Harris