The RCN has written to NHS England’s chief nurses, asking them to support action on mileage rates for nurses.
According to the organisation, community nursing staff are suffering as the cost of fuel rises. Nursing staff have reported that the price of a full tank of fuel has increased by as much as £100 a month, forcing them to make impossible decisions between filling up their car and buying food.
The RCN has joined with other unions to call for an immediate review of the current national mileage rates and has also identified several NHS organisations that do not pay the existing national rate of 56p per mile.
‘Nursing staff caring for patients in their own homes and in the community predominantly drive to and from visits in personal vehicles, with some driving hundreds of miles per week,’ said Patricia Marquis, Director of RCN England.
‘As the cost of living rises, these dedicated staff members should not be left in financial difficulties as a result of doing their jobs.’
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The RCN will also be taking local action to negotiate an increase in mileage rates within these trusts and have asked chief nurses to use their influence to help with this. Chief nurses and executive boards can also support nursing staff by exploring changes to community nurse caseloads to reduce unnecessary travel; providing administrative support to help nursing staff claim mileage; investing in shared electric vehicles; and making changes to bases to reduce mileage.
‘We hope that the executive teams of England’s NHS trusts will support us as we take action to ensure every member of staff receives the mileage rates they require,’ added Ms Marquis.
‘We also urge other organisations employing nursing staff to review mileage rates, and hope that further action is taken by the government to tackle the impact of fuel price rises on nursing staff in all sectors.’