More than 20,000 health visitor appointments were missed in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board during the first three months of an ongoing strike, with further industrial action announced.
Strike impact on families
Health visitors in the health board have been on strike for 23 weeks since February 23. The strike was due to finish on July 17, but new dates have been confirmed through to the end of October, with the potential for extension.
A freedom of information request submitted by Unite shows that of nearly 24,000 health visitor appointments due across March, April and May, just over 900 were completed due to the strikes.
Pay dispute continues
Health visitors, who support families from birth to three-and-a-half years, say they are paid as band six workers despite internal job grading now matching them as band seven, a difference of up to £9,000.
The Welsh Government has instructed the health board to honour the job evaluation process, but the board has yet to do so, and the dispute continues.
Broader concerns
Across the Bridgend council area, health visitor safeguarding referrals are at just 17 per cent of last year's level. Earlier this month, it was revealed that Cwm Taf health board director Hywel Daniel received a £30,000 pay rise on top of his over £200,000 salary.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "The longer Cwm Taf health board refuse to honour the pay banding our health visitors deserve, the greater the effect this strike is having on the health care of children in Wales. Our members are demanding what is right and what is fair and they will have the full backing of Unite in their fight to be paid at the appropriate level for their skills and experience."
Health board response
A spokesperson for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said: "Our priority during this period of industrial action is the safety and accessibility of services provided to families across Cwm Taf Morgannwg. To keep services safe and ensure we can support families with more complex and urgent needs, a single point of access has been established. This provides families with access to advice, guidance and support from our Health Visiting teams, with enquiries typically responded to within two hours."
Families wishing to contact the Health Visiting service are encouraged to do so via the single point of access by calling 01443 803930 or emailing CTM.SPOAHealthVisiting@wales.nhs.uk.
