Health Minister Robin Swann has approved an environment allowance to be paid to all prison healthcare staff.
Health Minister Robin Swann has approved an environment allowance to be paid to all prison healthcare staff.
The Minister said: “One of the first visits I undertook on taking up my post was to see the vital work carried out by our healthcare staff in prison settings. As with many of my visits, I was struck by the dedication of the individuals delivering a unique service in difficult circumstances.
“I promised that day that I would look into the provision of an environmental allowance in recognition of the incomparable service that is being provided within our prison settings. I am delighted to confirm that I have authorised an allowance of £1,300 per annum to all prison healthcare staff.”
It is anticipated that the allowance will be paid into salaries by July 2020, subject to necessary business case approval.
Concluding the Minister praised the healthcare staff who work within prisons. He said: “I have no doubt prisons can be a challenging environment for healthcare staff to work in. I hope this allowance goes some way to demonstrating my appreciation for the professionalism and dedication to maintaining this vital healthcare service.”
