Bonus payments for nurses who join Northampton General Hospital's bank staff

Hospital bosses are pushing the advantages of registering with its staff bank - which calls upon extra help as needed - over expensive agency workers.

So far, they have highlighted specialist training and the consistency.

But bank staff are now being offered reward payments for fulfilling a certain number of hours.

So far, 50 nurses have been awarded their first bonus payment of £150 for 50 hours.

In addition, bank nurses get subsequent payments of £450 after every 150 hours worked.

And senior nurses of Bands 6 and 7 who work bank shifts on their own wards are paid at their regular rate.

A spokeswoman for the hospital said: “These benefits were introduced as part of our drive to develop the skills, expertise and experience available on the nurse bank.

“A well-resourced staff bank means that patients are more likely to receive consistent care that’s aligned to our values as an organisation.”

A second new measure means that, from April, all employees who work for Northampton General Hospital’s staff bank - including porters, domestics, medical records staff - will be paid weekly.

This change has been introduced in response to feedback from employees.

Chief executive Sonia Swart said: “If you’re doing bit of work here and there, a month is a long time to wait to get paid.

“Weekly pay gives more immediate gratification. Like all the incentives, it encourages loyalty.”