§ Mr. ViggersTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many midwives have been subject to personal attack in the last year. [57599]
§ Mr. MilburnThe information requested is not collected centrally. However, officials in the National Health Service Executive are currently analysing the results of a survey of violent incidents in all trusts against all staff. The information from this survey will be used to82W set performance targets for the reduction of violent incidents. Violence to NHS staff is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
§ Mr. ViggersTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current average pay for midwives; and how this has varied in percentage terms in each of the last two years. [57597]
§ Mr. MilburnThe great majority of midwives are graded E (salary range £14,705 to £17,030 from 1 December 1998), grade F (salary range £16,310 to £19,985 from 1 December 1998) or grade G (salary range £19,420 to £22,255 from 1 December 1998), with some at higher grades ranging up to the maximum of the Senior Midwife pay scale (currently £48,820 plus the possibility of local pay). Midwives may also receive significant extra earnings for evening, night or weekend duty. Midwives' on grades F, G, H and I are also eligible for discretionary points which could mean up to an extra £1,195 per year. Midwives' pay is based on the recommendations of the Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine. The pay award for the 1997–98 year was 3.3 per cent. (paid as 2 per cent. from 1 April 1997, 3.3 per cent. from 1 December 1997) and for 1998–99 3.8 per cent. (paid 2 per cent. from 1 April 1998, 3.8 per cent. from 1 December 1998).