STAFF at Southend Hospital claim they have been left "out of pocket" in the run up to Christmas after missed expenses payments of up to £400.
More than 20 midwives at Southend Hospital were not paid expenses in their November payments due to an "admin oversight", with some missing out on much-needed payments to cope with festive expenses.
The Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, have apologised to staff and assured that measures will be taken to avoid similar issues in the future, and staff will receive their compensation in their December pay.
Joyce Aldridge, health branch secretary for Unison Basildon, Southend and mid Essex, said: “Some staff are hundreds of pounds out of pocket because the trust can’t get its house in order.
“This is money staff have already spent to support patients. It would be a disgrace at any time, but it’s particularly painful when workers need the cash in the run up to Christmas.
“NHS staff’s finances are stretched at the best of times. They’re now going to have to count the pennies as they try to fill their children’s stockings.”
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A member of midwifery staff, who asked not to be named, told the Echo that Christmas will be "infinitely more difficult" this year as a result, losing out on a hefty £400 which they say could've funded food, gifts and more over the festive period.
"We all filed our expenses on time, and have lost out through no fault of our own," they said.
"Not only am I £400 down, but I've now got to fund the next month of on job petrol and parking costs out of my own pocket, burying myself further into a financial hole."
Nicki Abbott, managing director of women and children division at the trust, said: “Staff are our biggest asset, and we are very sorry that due to an admin oversight, some of our midwives were not paid their expenses in their November pay.
"We understand why any delay in expenses payments is of concern, particularly at this time of year, and we’ve reassured colleagues that similar issues will be avoided in future.
"All staff will be paid their expenses on December 22. We recognise that payment delays can put a strain on financial wellbeing, and we have support available to help staff manage any challenges.”
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