Anyone Work for the NHS?

stingman123 · 23rd September 2008, 15:49

I've just been offered a new role as a PM for the NHS. Does anyone here have any experience with them and know what they are like to contract for?

I've taken the role at a faily low rate as its 20 mins from home, what are they like for upping the rate come contract renewal?

Thanks

BlasterBates · 23rd September 2008, 16:39

I once had my ears rinsed in an NHS trust. It was quite good I didn't have to wait that long.

Diver · 23rd September 2008, 16:52

I've spent a lot of time with the NHS

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BolshieBastard · 23rd September 2008, 18:46

Assuming your contract is for 3 months or 6 months, forget about an increase until you've been there 12 months.

jmo21 · 23rd September 2008, 18:58

spent some doing a job onsite for the NHS in my last permy job.

The company had 6 people on site, 4 of whom were contractors.

it was great if I'm honest, some tight time scales, but they always moved whenever we needed them to, and plenty of politics.

strictly 9-5 hours as well (or 8.30-4.30) - hardly any pressure at all.

The company I worked for was charging us all out at around £700 a day, but no idea what they were paying the 4 contractors.

al_cam · 24th September 2008, 12:19

Currently on my second NHS PM contract (different locations)
It is a mixed bag - some things are good (hours, steady contracts and interesting meaningful outcomes from work to name 3) but other things are extremely frustrating - especially, it is very different to the real world (eg I'm currently working for a programme with no plan, no scope, no business case and therefore no agreed budget - very difficult indeed, and plenty of pressure as there are tight deadlines and patient care is at stake) It will all work out in the end, but not in a nice steady controlled manner.
I'm via an agency, but if direct, payment is a big issue.

Currently I crave a private sector job but realistically, the grass is always greener...

As for rates, the NHS is skint so rates are rarely the best. Increases possible, but only after a few extensions and don't expect to get more than an average rate for the job.

TykeMerc · 24th September 2008, 12:30

There's a hell of a lot of NHS contracts advertised near me, unfortunately they all require prior NHS experience to be considered so at least from my perspective it's a bit of a closed shop.

Epiphone · 24th September 2008, 12:51

3 times in various places/roles. Never again.

Soled73 · 25th September 2008, 01:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epiphone

3 times in various places/roles. Never again.

Why? What happened?

Sausage Surprise · 25th September 2008, 08:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by al_cam

...

As for rates, the NHS is skint so rates are rarely the best. Increases possible, but only after a few extensions and don't expect to get more than an average rate for the job.

Having worked for CFH (Connecting for Health) and a Southern Cluster PCT as a Test Manager I have to dispute that.

I agree with the politics comments on here though - never seen so much red tape.