Bank Holiday Deadlines - May 2019

Please take note of the following to ensure prompt payment during the upcoming 2019 May bank holiday period.

1. Bank Holiday Deadlines – MAY 2019

Bank Holiday	Pay Period (Weekending)	Deadline For T/S Submission	To Ensure Payment On
Monday	05/05/2019	Midday Friday	Friday
06/05/2019	(shifts up to 03/05/19)	03/05/2019	10/05/2019
Monday	26/05/2019	Midday Friday	Friday
27/05/2019	(shifts up to 23/03/19)	24/05/2019	31/05/2019

Please make sure that your timesheets arrive at the Head Office by post (92-96 Lind Road, Sutton, SM1 4PL) or email (wages@a24group.com).

2. PAYROLL QUERIES – PHONE LINE OPENING HOURS

In order to ensure we can pay you promptly, over this period, we need to notify you that we will be operating reduced hours with regards to our phone lines for payroll queries and as follows:

Date	Phone Line Opening Hours
Friday 3rd May 2019	09:00-12:00
Monday 6th May 2019	CLOSED
Tuesday 7th May 2019	09:00-15:00
Wednesday 8th May 2019	CLOSED AS NORMAL
Thursday 9th May 2019	BACK TO NORMAL OPENING HOURS
Friday 24th May 2019	09:00-12:00
Monday 27th May 2019	CLOSED
Tuesday 28th May 2019	09:00-15:00
Wednesday 29th May 2019	CLOSED AS NORMAL
Thursday 30th May 2019	BACK TO NORMAL OPENING HOURS

Regards
A24 Group Payroll Team 

Bank Holiday Deadlines – GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER MONDAY 2019

Please take note of the following to ensure prompt payment during this upcoming 2019 Good Friday and Easter Monday bank holiday period. 
 
Please make sure that your timesheets arrive at the Head Office by post (92-96 Lind Road, Sutton, SM1 4PL) or email (wages@a24group.com ) and by the following dates: 

Bank Holiday	Pay Period (Weekending)	Deadline For T/S Submission	To Ensure Payment On
Friday	14/04/2019	Midday Friday	Thursday
19/04/2019	(shifts up to 11/04/19)	12/04/2019	18/04/2019
Monday	21/04/2019	Midday Thursday	Friday
22/04/2019	(shifts up to 17/04/19)	18/04/2019	26/04/2019

In order to ensure we can pay you promptly, over this period, we need to notify you that we will be operating reduced hours with regards to our phone lines for payroll queries and as follows:

Date	Phone Line Opening Hours
Tuesday 16th April 2019	09:00-12:00
Wednesday 17th April 2019	CLOSED AS NORMAL
Thursday 18th April 2019	09:00-12:00
Friday 19th April 2019	CLOSED
Monday 22nd April 2019	CLOSED
Tuesday 23rd April 2019	09:00-13:00
Wednesday 24th April 2019	CLOSED AS NORMAL
Thursday 25th April 2019	BACK TO NORMAL OPENING HOURS

This is a reminder that if you are a member of the Auto-Enrollment Pension Scheme with NEST, your contributions will automatically increase to 4% (net) from 5th April 2019.

In addition to this employer contributions will rise to 3% and the Governments contributions will rise to 1%.

If you'd like to know more about NEST you can visit their website at www.nestpensions.org.uk. NEST's contact details are NEST Nene Hall Lynch Wood Business Park Peterborough PE2 6FY.

Member enquiries: 0300 020 0393 or Email: support@nestpensions.org.uk

You can also get general information on pensions and saving for later life at www.direct.gov.uk/workplacepension

Bank Holiday Deadlines - Christmas and New Year's Holiday Period

Please take note of the following to ensure prompt payment during the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s bank holiday periods

Please make sure that your timesheets arrive at the Head Office either by post to 92-96 Lind Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 4PL, or by email to: wages@a24group.com and by the following dates:

Bank Holiday Dates	Pay period (Week Ending)	Deadline for Timesheet Submission	Send BACS Files on	To Ensure Payment On
Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th December 2018	Suunday 23rd December (shifts up to Thurdsay 20th Dec)	15:00 on Thursday 20th December	Monday 24th December	Friday 28th December
Tuesday 1st January 2019	Sunday December 30th (shifts up to Friday 28th Dec)	15:00 on Friday 28th December	Wednesday 2nd January	Friday 4th January

Payroll phone line opening hours are as follows:

Friday 21st December 2018	09:00-11:00
Monday 24th December	Closed
Tuesday 25th December	Closed
Wednesday 26th December	Closed
Thursday 27th December	09:00-16:00
Friday 28th December	09:00-16:00
Monday 31st December	09:00-13:00
Tuesday 1st December	Closed
Wednesday 2nd January	Closed as normal
Back to normal opening hours from Thursday 3rd January

Increase Your Work Opportunites by 95%

Did you know it only it takes 15 seconds to update your availability on www.staffshift.com  and it could increase your chances of receiving shifts by 95%.

When we are coordinating shifts with our clients it requires the most efficient and timely feedback to our Clients, therefore it is imperative that we always have your current availability which ensures that we’re able to offer you shifts quickly.

If you do not have access to a desktop or laptop, we cater to your requirements with our Free Mobile application - Staffshift - for iOS & Android

For Android you can Download  the app now from your Google Play Store

For iOS you can Download  the app now from your App Store

Take advantage of this opportunity today!

Social Media and its role in healthcare (NSofUK)

Social media can be used as a valuable source for scouting information, however the information retrieved on social media cannot always be deemed credible.

Using social media in an unprofessional manner could potentially be detrimental to their professional careers. Therefore, it is important for healthcare professionals to be informed about the ethical rules regarding social media privacy.  

Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) has compiled the following guidelines to ensure healthcare officials follow the correct procedures.

Read More

Communicating in a healthcare setting with people who have hearing loss

Healthcare staff in provision of services rendered need to obtain information and give advice, and patients need to ask questions and share their concerns. Therefore, to provide a thorough service for hearing impaired patients, it is of paramount importance that their communication needs are acknowledged and addressed by those responsible for the providing healthcare service.

We are pleased to let you know about a new e-learning resource that is free and available to all staff.

The module covers the following key learning outcomes: 

*     Recognise the different types of communication support needs. 

*     Describe the basics of BSL as a language and the rights of BSL users. 

*     Respond appropriately to the communication preference of BSL users. 

*     Reflect on ways of improving current practice. 

NHS Health Scotland's Workforce Development team developed the module in partnership with BSL users and colleagues from DeafScotland, Deafblind Scotland, the Care Inspectorate, the Scottish Social Services Council, NHS Education Scotland, NHS Lothian and NHS Forth Valley. 

We encourage all care service providers and staff to enrol themselves onto this short and enjoyable module. Follow the link at the bottom of this email to NHS Health Scotland's Virtual Learning Environment. 

Please note, new users will need to create an account and log in before accessing the course. You can create a new account on the following link 

Enrolment

Self-enrolment: Once you have created an account and logged in, click the following link  and self-enrol in the course

Bank Holiday Deadlines – CHRISTMAS 2016 / NEW YEAR 2017

Dear agency worker 

Bank Holiday Deadlines: CHRISTMAS 2016 / NEW YEAR 2017

Please take note of the following to ensure prompt payment during the upcoming 2016/2017 bank holiday periods.

Please make sure that your timesheets arrive at the Head Office by post (92-96 Lind Road, Sutton, SM1 4PL) or email (wages@a24group.com) as follows: 

BANK HOLIDAY	PAY PERIOD (WEEKENDING)	DEADLINE FOR TIMESHEET RECEIPT	TO ENSURE PAYMENT ON
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 26TH AND TUESDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2016	25/12/2016 (shifts up to 22/12/16)	10 AM FRI 23/12/16	FRIDAY 30/12/16
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 2ND JANUARY	01/01/17 (shifts up to 29/12/16)	MIDDAY FRIDAY 30/12/16	FRIDAY 06/01/17

Please note the following regarding bank holiday shifts

Due to Christmas Day and New Year’s Day falling at the weekend (and therefore not Bank Holidays), please ensure you check with your booking consultant if the bank holiday rates apply

 2. Payroll queries – Phone line opening hours

In order to ensure we can pay you promptly over this period we need to notify you that we will be operating reduced hours with regards to our payroll phone lines for payroll queries, as follows:

Date	Phone line opening hours
Friday 23 December 2016	CLOSED
Wednesday 28 December 2016	CLOSED
Thursday 19 December 2016	09:00 to 17:00
Friday 30 December 2016	09:00 to 12:00
Tuesday 3 January 2017	Lines open as normal
Wednesday 4 January 2017	CLOSED
Thursday 5 January 2017 onwards	Lines open as normal

 

Please note: Our payroll telephone lines are not usually open on Wednesdays.

Best Regards, A24 Group Payroll Team 

 

Bank Holiday Deadline – Monday 29 August 2016

Dear Agency Worker

Please take note of the following to ensure prompt payment during the upcoming August 2016 Bank Holiday period.

Please make sure that your timesheets arrive at the Head Office by post (92-96 Lind Road, Sutton, SM1 4PL) or email (wages@a24group.com) as follows:

BANK HOLIDAY	SHIFTS UP TO WEEKENDING	DEADLINE FOR TIMESHEET RECEIPT	TO ENSURE PAYMENT ON
August (Mon 29/08/2016)	28/08/2016	MIDDAY FRI 26/08/2016	FRI 02/09/2016

Thank you and Best Regards

A24 Group Payroll Team

Bank Holiday deadlines - May Day & Spring

Dear Agency Worker,

Please take note of the following to ensure prompt payment during the upcoming May Day and Spring 2016 bank holiday periods.

Please make sure that your timesheets arrive at the Head Office by post (92-96 Lind Road, Sutton, SM1 4PL.) or email

(wages@a24group.com) as follows:

 

End of Tax Year 2015/2016 - P60

Pay date 01 April 2016 (tax week 52), is the last week of the tax year 2015/2016.

We will be posting the P60s throughout the months of April and May. All P60s will be sent out by 31st May 2016 so please do not call or email before as you will receive it by this date.

It is vital that the P60 is retained as it provides proof that payment of tax and national insurance has been paid for the period of employment.

Thank you and Best Regards

A24 Group Payroll Team

New Feature Available on Staffshift

Candidates on android can now view all their upcoming shift details on our easy to use app to help manage your work calendar. This new feature will allow you to have easy access to where and when you’re working 7 days in advance. Remember that you can also update your availability on the go using the app.

For those of you who are not currently registered, or if you have not yet received your Staffshift invite please email us at info@staffshift.com and we will be in touch. All candidates registered with A24 Group are eligible for an invite.

Visit Playstore to download the app: https://goo.gl/WkOeJ8

About Staffshift:

View your Staffshift availability calendar for the next 7 days right from your phone. Simply download, login and update your calendar!

Staffshift, www.staffshift.com, is a web based platform for your online career profile. Simplify your life and connect with multiple agencies through us. If you are not currently registered with Staffshift and you know your agency is a part of Staffshift contact them to set you up and get access to our fantastic features.

Being a busy professional you need a quick, easy and convenient tool that will allow you to update your availability instantly. We understand that your availability for work can change at any given moment so quick access to update it is important.

Features:

Update and view your availability for the next 7 days.

View your upcoming shifts for the next 7 days.

Receive automated reminders to update your availability 

 

BANK HOLIDAY DEADLINES- Good Friday & Easter 2016

Dear Agency Worker,

 

Bank Holiday Deadlines – GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER 2016

 

Please take note of the following to ensure prompt payment during the upcoming Good Friday and Easter 2016 bank holiday periods.

 

Please make sure that your timesheets arrive at the Head Office by post (92-96 Lind Road, Sutton, SM1 4PL) or email (wages@a24group.com) as follows: 

BANK HOLIDAY     

Good Friday (25/03/2016)  

Easter Monday (28/03/2016) 

 

SHIFTS UP TO WEEKENDING   

 20/03/2016  Good Friday

 27/03/2016  Easter Monday

 

DEADLINE FOR TIMESHEE RECEIPT 

 MIDDAY FRI 18/03/2016 Good Friday

 09:30AM MON 28/03/2016*    Easter Monday

 

       

TO ENSURE PAYMENT ON

THURS 24/03/2016    Good Friday

 FRI 01/04/2016        Easter Monday

 

        

  

 Please also note the following regarding the deadline for w/e 27/03/16:

1. Timesheets submission – end of Tax year 2015/2016, weekending 27/03/2016 (shifts including Sunday 27 March 2016).

*Weekending 27/03/2016 is the last week of the Tax Year 2015/2016 so please ensure you submit all timesheets up to Sunday 27 March 2016 into us well before 09:30am Monday 28 March 2016 deadline (this may reduce the amount of tax you pay at the beginning of the new tax year 2016/17). If you are working for the whole of the previous week, please send in your timesheets as you complete shifts rather than trying to send them all on the Monday morning following that week’s work. Due to the tight timescales Payroll will be processing timesheets as they come in, to ensure we can pay you promptly on Friday 1 April 2016.

2. Payroll – Telephone calls In order to ensure we can pay you promptly, we need to notify you that we will not be taking Payroll calls on Tuesday 29 March 2016. Lines will re-open at 9am on Thursday 31 March 2016.

Thank you and Best Regards A24 Group Payroll Team

BANK HOLIDAY DEADLINES- CHRISTMAS 2015/ NEW YEAR 2016

FAO: All A24 Group Agency Workers

01 December 2015 Dear Agency Worker Re: Bank Holiday Deadlines – CHRISTMAS 2015 / NEW YEAR 2016

 

Please take note of the following to ensure prompt payment during the upcoming 2015/2016 bank holiday periods. Please make sure that your timesheets arrive at the Head Office by post (92-96 Lind Road, Sutton, SM1 4PL) or email (wages@a24group.com) as follows: 

 

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BANK HOLIDAY            SHIFTS UP TO WEEKENDING       DEADLINE FOR TIMESHEET RECEIPT          TO ENSURE PAYMENT ON

 

N/A                                                 20/12/15                              MIDDAY FRI  18/12/15                                        THURS 24/12/15

 

 

XMAS DAY 2015                             27/12/15                              10AM THURS 24/12/15                                        THURS  31/12/15

 

 

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY               03/01/16                               MIDDAY MON 04/01/16*                                     FRI 08/01/16

28 DEC 2015 and NEW

YEARS DAY 2016 

 

 

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Please also note the following regarding the above deadlines:

 

1.*Shifts worked up to Weekending 03/01/2016 Please try to get as many of your timesheets in to us as soon as possible and well before the deadline for this week – i.e.- please send in timesheets as soon as you have worked a shift for this weekending and please do not hold onto them, even if this results in submitting several timesheets for this particular week. Due to the tight timescales and Bank Holiday backlogs payroll will be processing timesheets as soon as they come in to ensure we can pay you promptly (on Friday 08 January 2016) for the work completed in the previous week.

 

2. Payroll queries – Phone line opening hours In order to ensure we can pay you promptly over this period we need to notify you that we will be operating reduced hours with regards to our payroll phone lines for payroll queries, as follows:  

 

 

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DATE                                                                                                                                                               PHONE LINE OPENING HOURS

 

THURSDAY 24 DECEMBER                                                                                                                                09:00 - 12:00   

 

FRIDAY 25 DECEMBER to MONDAY 28 DECEMBER 2015                                                                                 CLOSED

 

TUESDAY 29 DECEMBER 2015                                                                                                                          09:00 - 12:00

 

WEDNESDAY 30 DECEMBER                                                                                                                             CLOSED

 

THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER                                                                                                                                09:00 - 12:00

 

FRIDAY 01 JANUARY 2016                                                                                                                               CLOSED

 

MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2016 ONWARDS                                                                                                            LINES OPEN AS NORMAL

 

 

 

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Please note: Our payroll telephone lines are not usually open on Wednesdays. 

 

Thank you for all of your hard work this year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

Best Regards, A24 Group Payroll Team

 

 

Staffshift Mobile

Here at Nursing Services of the UK we understand how busy our Candidates schedules can be and now have an app for all the hard-working Candidates which can be updated easily. The major feature of this app is 'Easy to use'.
 
It allows our candidates to indicate their availability for shifts for up to 7 days in advance which are split into the standard Early, Late and Night availabilities within the calendar. Our candidates are able to see when they are booked and easily see what additional shifts they may be available for.
 
Scheduling can take a lot of your time and energy. Fortunately, there's a better way, download Staffshift Mobile now!

As a Healthcare Professional, you have many responsibilities, let our Staffshift Mobile application allow you to manage your diary more proactively.
 
When we are co-ordinating shift requirements with our clients it requires the utmost efficiency and timely feedback to our Clients. With our Candidates having a simple mobile application to ensure their availability is always current ensures that we will have the benefit of being able to fill shifts quickly.

• Shift Planning of your availability for work which will enable Nursing Services of UK to see your availability and call you for shifts according to your indicated preferences. The calendar will allow you to update for up to 7 days in advance.
• Accessible, Staffshift Mobile is at your fingertips, log in and update your availability on the go which is an immediate update to Nursing Services of UK.
• Fast, friendly, helpful support from our offices, we are available 365/24/7.
• Accommodate a variety of Staff, if you are a Nurse or a Caregiver this simple app will work for you.
• System requirements, you will need iOS 7 or later and for Android you will need Android 4 or above in order for Staffshift Mobile to be supported by your mobile device.
• Cost of the Staffshift Mobile application is FREE!

 
For Android you can Download the app now from your Google Play Store
For iOS you can Download the app now from your App Store

We are automatically sending invites for registration to Staffshift for Nursing Services of UK candidates in the next week, once you have registered your details you will be able to download Staffshift Mobile, log in with your Staffshift log in details and immediately begin to update your availability for work.
 
If you would like the invitation to join Staffshift sooner, you can inform your consultant and they will arrange for the invitation to be sent to you within 24 hours.
 
If you are not currently working with Nursing Services of UK, this is another advantage for you to join our Agency now, with one registration you will be eligible for work with the 5 Agencies under the A24 Group.
 
Register now to take advantage of great work opportunities.

Speeding up the payment of your eTimesheets

Dear A24 Group Member

Unfortunately we've been experiencing a number of issues regarding electronic timesheet payments for bookings carried out at NHS Trusts that use eTimesheets.

Some NHS Trusts have elected to use this system as it allows them to closely control their agency usage and spend.
Ward managers have been instructed to only "Authorise" bookings where they can clearly see the agency worker completed the assignment that they were booked for.
 
In most cases delays in payment are on the Trust's side and result when ward managers do not have sufficient information to confirm your attendance and "Authorise" your timesheet for payment.
 
Payroll and your bookings consultant will always work with you and the relevant ward manager/s to resolve these issues speedily BUT in most cases the delays can be avoided if you follow the guidance below.
 
Feedback from these Trusts highlights that there are four main issues that delay their authorisation of your shifts:
 
- The Agency Worker did not sign the "Agency Book" on the ward to state their start time when they began their shift *** Please Note:  Some wards also require you to sign out also
 
- The Agency Worker is asked to change wards, due to a changing need at the Trust, and they do not sign the "Agency Book" on the original ward to state where they were moved to
 
- The Agency Worker is asked to change wards and they do not sign the "Agency Book" on the new ward to state the start time and the ward they were moved from
 
- The Agency Worker works a shift that has not been added to the online booking portal on the wards
 
 
Tips:
 
- Once you arrive for your shift, it is your responsibility to sign the "agency book". Always ask a member of staff to initial next to your name (this is normally done by the ward manager, ward sister or ward clerk to acknowledge that you have arrived for your shift).
 
- Politely insist that they sign the book at the time because as you know wards can be busy places and they may forget causing delays in your pay.
 
- Always note where you were asked to move to and from in the "agency book" books on both wards. This leaves a paper trail to help us get you paid quickly after the shift. This normally results in new booking reference numbers being generated of the Trust's booking system as each ward is treated as a separate shift when it comes to payments.
 
- When you have concluded your shift and ready to leave the ward politely ask the ward sister if they could "Authorise" your timesheet.
 
- In the event that you arrive on a ward and they say the shift you were booked for has been cancelled (this is rare but can happen for a number of reasons) and they then offer to keep you on to work or move you to a different ward to work then it is important they create a new booking for you on the system that can be later "Authorised" Please let your consultant know in this instance.
 
Note:
 
To allow us enough time to process payments for the Friday after the booking was carried out, for client s using the eTimesheets our payroll cut off for "Authorised" eTimesheets is Monday at 3pm.
In the event the trust authorises your timesheet after this time the timesheet will be processed in the following week's payroll run.

To ensure streamlining of payment we also urge candidates to inform us if they have been moved from one ward to another at the client. This way we can update our systems to reflect the correct booking for each candidate and timesheet.
 
By following the above guidance you will help us get you paid as quickly as possible.  However, if you do experience issues with payments for bookings carried out at eTimesheet clients. Please call your consultant to see if the ward has "authorised" your shift.
 
Best Regards
A24 Group Payroll Team

Bank Holiday Deadlines - Easter and May 2015

Dear Agency Worker

Please take note of the following to ensure prompt payment during the upcoming 2015 bank holiday periods.

Please make sure that your timesheets arrive at the Head Office by post, hand delivered (92-96 Lind Road, Sutton, SM1 4PL), or email wages@a24group.com as follows:
 

Bank Holiday	Shifts up to Weekend	Deadline for Timesheet Receipt	To Ensure Payment
FRI  03/04/15	29/03/15	09.30AM MON 30/03/15*	30.52
MON 06/04/15	05/04/15	MIDDAY THURS 02/04/15	31.81
MON 04/05/15	03/05/15	MIDDAY THURS 02/04/15	32.19
MON 25/05/15	24/05/15	MIDDAY FRI 22/05/15	33.27

 
Please also note the following regarding the deadline for week ending 29/03/15:
 
1. Timesheet submission - end of Tax Year 2014/2015, weekending 29/03/15(shifts including Sunday 29 March 2015).
 
*Weekending 29/03/15 is the last week of the Tax Year 2014/2015 so please get your timesheets into us well before 09.30am Monday 30 March 2015 deadline.
 
 For example: If you are working for the whole of the week previous, please send in your timesheets as you complete shifts rather than try to send them all on the Monday morning following that week's work. Due to the tight timescales Payroll will be processing timesheets as soon as they come in to ensure we can pay you promptly on Thursday 02 April 2015 for the work you have completed the previous week.
 
This should also simplify matters for you before we go into the new Tax Year (2015/2016, weekending 05/04/15).
 
2.  Payroll - Telephone calls - hours over the Bank holidays
 
In order to ensure we can pay you promptly over this period we need to notify you that we will not be taking Payroll calls on Monday 30 March and Tuesday 31 March 2015, but lines will re-open at 9am on Wednesday 01 April 2015.
 
Thank you and Regards
A24 Group Payroll Team

Guidance for staff intending to travel to, or returning from, Ebola affected countries

The on-going outbreak of Ebola in West Africa, primarily affecting Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization. This is the largest outbreak of this disease to ever happen. 

Ebola is a severe and life threatening viral disease caused by the Ebola virus. The onset of illness is sudden, with fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, sore throat and intense weakness. This is then followed by diarrhea, vomiting, rash, impaired kidney and liver function and stomach pain. Some patients may develop a rash, red eyes, hiccups, internal and external bleeding.

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is fatal in between 50 to 90% of all clinically ill cases. Ebola is spread through direct contact with blood and body fluids from infected people. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days. Anyone who has close contact with a person infected with the virus, or someone who handles samples from patients are at risk. This includes hospital staff, family members and laboratory workers, all of whom are at risk if they do not use appropriate protective equipment / barrier nursing techniques. These precautions include wearing protective gowns, gloves, and masks, in addition to wearing eye protection (e.g. eye goggles) or a face shield.

The government advises against all but essential travel to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea except for those involved in the direct response to the Ebola outbreak. It remains unlikely but not impossible that travellers infected in one of the affected countries could arrive in the UK while incubating the disease and develop symptoms after their return. Although the likelihood of imported cases is very low, travellers returning to the UK from the affected areas, particularly those who have been involved in health care overseas, need to remain vigilant.

For staff who are planning to visit Ebola affected countries:

The agency requests that staff follow FCO advice and do not place themselves at risk of infection. The agency recognises that some staff may have family in one of the affected countries but it does not consider essential travel to include, for example, visiting family at Christmas. If staff choose not to follow the FCO advice and travel to one of the affected countries, this may then result in work restrictions and / or exclusion upon return as noted in the scenarios below.

All staff who travel to one of the Ebola affected countries (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone) irrespective of the reason for travel (personal or work related) must contact the agency prior to leaving the UK and on return to the UK, prior to their return to work.

Existing staff who have visited Ebola affected countries - this will mainly apply to those who have visited affected countries for the purpose of charity and/or healthcare work.

If no healthcare work was undertaken whilst in one of the Ebola affected countries, and staff had no direct contact with a known or suspected Ebola, including attending a funeral, staff should:

• Inform the agency prior to departure
• Monitor their health / temperature for 21 days from leaving the affected country
• If the staff member becomes unwell with symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat or rash within 21 days of coming back from Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone, they should stay at home and immediately telephone 111 or 999 and explain that they have recently visited West Africa. These services will initiate the appropriate care pathway
• They must keep in touch with the agency prior to return to work
• Staff member will be able to return to work after 21 days
  
  

If healthcare work was undertaken abroad or the staff member had direct contact with an Ebola case e.g. routine medical / nursing care but wore appropriate protective clothing with no known breaches in the personal protective equipment (PPE), the staff member should:

• Inform the agency prior to departure
• Check temperature twice daily for 21 days after return and report any raised temperature or other suspicious symptoms to the monitoring team at Public Health England (PHE)
• Must provide Occupational Health with documentary evidence from their Voluntary Aid agency / affiliated health care institution who organised the overseas placement outlining the extent of their exposure and specific detail regarding the PPE used
• Contact the agency prior to return to work
• Staff member will be able to return to work after 21 days and monitoring completed

If healthcare work was undertaken abroad or the staff member had direct contact with an Ebola case and may have had unprotected exposure of skin or mucous membranes to potentially infectious blood or body fluids, including on clothing or bedding, for example:

• Unprotected handling of clinical/lab specimens
• Mucosal exposure to splashes
• Needlestick injury
• Kissing and / or sexual contact

 

 

 

 

 

 

The staff member should:

• Inform the agency prior to departure
• Check temperature twice daily for 21 days after return and REPORT DAILY to the
• Monitoring Team at Public Health England (PHE) even if the temperature is normal and the staff member is not experiencing any suspicious symptoms
• Staff member will be able to return to work after 21 days and monitoring is completed.

For more information about the Ebola virus disease, see:

Government UK
NHS Choices: Ebola and Overview
Ebola virus disease: clinical management and guidance

Ebola virus disease: information for humanitarian aid workers

Meeting Standards for Nursing & Care Agencies: New CQC Report

A24 Group nursing and care agencies are registered with the UK's Care Quality Commission. They are regularly inspected to ensure they meet the National Minimum Standards for nursing and domiciliary care agencies.

These external checks complement our own program of internal reviews and audits that help ensure all our nursing agencies are operating to the very highest levels of care. To find out more about the CQC's inspection of A24 Group, you can see the latest report here on the provision of care to people in their own homes - or visit the Care Quality Commission website.

The new report inspected service provision in the following key areas:

1. Care and welfare of people who use services
People should get safe and appropriate care that meets their needs and supports their rights.

2. Cooperating with other providers
People should get safe and coordinated care when they move between different services.

3. Requirements relating to workers
People should be cared for by staff who are properly qualified and able to do their job.

4. Staffing
There should be enough members of staff to keep people safe and meet their health and welfare needs.

5. Assessing and monitoring the quality of service provision
The service should have quality checking systems to manage risks and assure the health, welfare and safety of people who receive care.

6. Records
People’s personal records, including medical records, should be accurate and kept safe and confidential.

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New Preferred Supplier Awards for NSUK

Looking for work in the East of England or East Midlands? NSUK has been awarded a string of Service Level Agreements (SLAs). For all our vacancies please click here. 
 
Nursing Services of the UK (NSUK) is now a preferred supplier of nurses and HCAs in the East of England NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub; NHS Commercial Solutions; and East Midlands Strategic Health Authority.

 Nursing Services of the UK was launched in 2009 to provide the same high quality - and friendly - service that many medical staff and healthcare providers have enjoyed with the nursing agency group in South Africa for over 60 years, through our sister agency Nursing Services of South Africa (NSSA). We are known for our South Africa-style warm welcome to all the nurses and HCAs who seek jobs in the UK.
 
We have an ethical policy of not recruiting staff from South Africa or any other developing countries, because of the serious shortages of medical staff in those regions. Our sister agency Nursing Services of South Africa provides nurses and care givers for many community and HIV AIDs related projects in Africa.
 
Contact us for further information on #nursingjobs #nursingagencies #nursingstaff

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Nursing Services of the UK establishes base in Essex

Nursing Services of the UK has for the past two years provided opportunities to nurses and care workers via Framework Agreements. The opportunities NSUK offers in Essex are very varied and the focus of our work still remains the provision of high quality nursing and care staff to NHSP, the NHS and private hospitals.

NSUK has lots of work available in Essex for Band 5 general and specialist nurses. The friendly agency team can offer you on-going work and you can be assured that we work hard to make sure we keep you busy with top nursing opportunities, and good rates of pay .

Whatever the choice of work setting, NSUK has temporary and longer term posts available – for Theatre and Paediatric work, and ODP, Occupational Health and NICU. Also Midwifery, Mental Health, Learning & Disability, ITU, and Home Care (Domiciliary) and in GP Practices. There is also Community, and A&E Accident & Emergency work available.

NSUK was launched in 2009 to provide the same high quality service that many medical staff and healthcare providers have enjoyed with the nursing agency group in South Africa for over 60 years.

Essex branch:
Suite 1
Broadway Chambers
High Road
Pitsea, Essex
SS13 3AS

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How to find the Best Nursing Agency Jobs

Nursing agency jobs and HCA temporary posts are more in demand than ever before, following public sector cutbacks. This is particularly the case for qualified staff who want to work at the times and locations of their choice - says NSUK.

In 2013 work with a reputable nursing agency that offers great opportunities for those nurses who want extra shifts and pay or choose to balance their work-life commitments because they have family dependents for example.

The NSUK - Nursing Services of the UK - offers the following advice for getting the most from nursing agency work and work providers:-

1. Register with several nursing agencies in one group: to increase the opportunities for work, qualified staff can register through the NSUK web site, just once, to work for eligibility for five different agencies in the A24 Group- visit Nursing Services of the UK

2. At registration, ensure you provide all the information that is required: NSUK provides a detailed list of documents to supply. The agency meets with all candidates locally to help them complete the registration process. Initial registration may be started on-line through the NSUK web site. Documents required include a completed DBS (formerly known as CRB), as well as a detailed NSUK application form; and job references.

3. Keep your registrations current: once you are registered and have on-line access through A24 Connect, ensure annual certifications are up to date - such as for training and CRB. Also, update your ‘Work Areas’ in the A24 Connect job management system- the geographical locations to which you are happy to travel for shifts. Agency Consultants will search for and offer shifts according to the work areas you’ve chosen.

4. Are you a specialist nurse in ICU or PICU, or perhaps SCBU trained for example? There is high demand for specialist nurses in many regions. Current certificates are essential as proof of your speciality, so NSUK can match your qualifications with relevant work. Also, if you do specialist training on an annual basis in your permanent job - such as Ventilator, Tracheostomy, IV administration - please inform the agency.

5. Let the agency know when you are available to work: NSUK’s on-line web diary enables nurses and HCAs to confirm when they are ready for shifts. It’s worth updating the diary at least every week. Be flexible: if NSUK knows that you will accept work at short notice - or will work some evenings, weekends or Bank Holidays - then you will get more, higher-paying shifts

6. Stay in touch: find out which NSUK consultants deal with the area where you want to work. E-mail the names of the towns and hospitals. NSUK’s consultants are there to help, and when they get to know you and the type of work you want, it will increase work opportunities

7. Social Media: it’s worth registering for NSUK’s Facebook and Twitter pages so that you are up to date on agency news and job opportunities - you can see details too at the Nursing Services of the UK web site

8. Complaints: feedback is always welcome. Let NSUK know if there is anything with which you are unhappy or could be done differently - or issues you have in the workplace. Good agencies are grateful for feedback

9. Tell a friend: if you have nursing friends who are interested in agency work, then telling them about the agency is helpful for feedback and communication. Visit NSUK’s Facebook and click on ‘Like’ or visit the web address: www.NSofUK.com

10. Consider your career: are you looking for specific nursing jobs or types of work or experience? If you are, then do discuss this with your NSUK consultant, as the medical staffing agency may be able to help, if you meet the standards required by clients for relevant nurses’ jobs with healthcare service providers.

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