The Doctors’ Association have spoken to the Mirror on the Government’s new scheme—offering a lump sum of £60,000 to bereaved families if a healthcare worker dies in the line of duty.
The Government said the sum was “roughly twice the average pensionable pay for NHS staff”, however the figure has “infuriated doctors”.
Dr Rinesh Parmar, branded it a “political soundbite” in place of a meaningful policy.
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“Matt Hancock delivered a further kick in the teeth to many grieving families of NHS and social care staff who have sadly died in the line of duty. He was successful in delivering a political sound bite in place of a policy that would adequately safeguard the dependents who dedicated frontline staff leave behind.”
Mr Hancock also told the Downing Street briefing last night that 82 NHS workers and 16 social care staff had died so far as he announced the £60,000 payment for families.
“Of course, nothing replaces the loss of a loved one but we want to do everything we can to support families who are dealing with this grief,” he added.
The Government was also looking at other frontline professions who did not have access to a life assurance scheme, Mr Hancock said.
