HSE confirm no proof of NMBI Payment until 30th April 2015
Nurses and Midwives are being advised they do not have pay the increased NMBI retention fee of €150 by the 1st of January 2015 and being encouraged to pay €100 only to the NMBI when they can afford it.
Mr Figgis also assured members that the HSE confirmed it would not take any nurse or midwife, off the payroll, pending further developments; and that the Department of Health confirmed they are continuing to engage, with the NMBI, with a view to resolving the current impasse.
A circular realised by the HSE confirmed that registration is not required before 30th April 2015 and therefore there is no necessity to request verification of payment from nurses and midwives before that date.
Speaking to SIPTUhealth.ie Mr Figgis said NMBI also confirmed it will issue a second renewal notice on the 2 February, allowing a further 28 days for payment, before the issue could go before the Board and that all nurses and midwives are entitled to practice nursing and midwifery once registered, and no change in registration status can occur before March of 2015 at the very earliest.
We would ask members to realise that this campaign of opposition is not just about the proposed fee increase for 2015. We would ask members to recall that the fee was increased, by over 12%, this time last year and NMBI have clearly said they reserve their position, with regard to further increases, for 2016 and beyond. This, obviously, completely ignores the income reductions that nurses and midwives have suffered, in recent years, and NMBI, as a monopoly, cannot increase its fees by 50% and maintain credibility.
Mr Figgis also thanked every member for the response to the social media picture protest.
“Our members uploaded pictures, from workplaces all over the country and that has given the campaign a great boost. The response clearly shows massive support for this campaign. These pictures have been sent to local TDs/Senators, many of whom have responded through Twitter/Facebook, indicating their support for our campaign and the payment of €100 as an annual retention fee.”
Badges, confirming payment of €100 and that you are still registered, will be distributed, to workplaces, in the early days of the New Year, and we would ask members to wear them when at work to keep the campaign strong and all nurses and midwives united,” concluded Mr Figgis.
Note to members making a payment to the NMBI:
When making this €100 payment, after 05th January, it should be made through one of the following methods; By Cheque; or Postal Order; or Credit Transfer
NMBI bank details are:
Sort Code – 901490
A/C – 97384636
BIC – BOFIIE2DXXX
IBAN – IE09BOF190149097384636
Bank name – Bank of Ireland
Bank address – Baggot Street Lower
When making the payment of €100, regardless of which of the three methods used, members should quote their unique NMBI Pin Number and maintain a record of payment.