Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Recruitment

I already work for one of the NHS Trusts using the Endoscopy Bank do I have to complete pre-employment checks again?

This is completed by your current employing Trust and confirms that you have had all the NHS employment checks completed when you joined your employing Trust and may allow you to join the back without repeating these checks. If any additional checks are required, a member of the recruitment team will contact you.

How do I complete proof of entitlement to work in the UK and ID check?

You will receive an email containing a link to complete this process via TrustID, we highly recommend you read the TrustID User Guide which will be emailed to you before completing the TrustID process.

Do I need to opt out of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) to be able to complete shifts?

This is on your casual worker agreement and is optional depending on if you want to work over 48 hours a week averaged over 12 weeks.

Do I need a DBS?

A condition of joining the Cheshire & Merseyside Collaborative NHS Bank is to have a valid and up to date DBS in place. To ensure this, we are required to either check the DBS Update Service or, if you are not signed up, request you have a new DBS check within 12 months of starting on the bank. Your current DBS information stored on ESR at your substantive NHS Trust will come over on the IAT (Inter Authority Transfer). 

If you are currently subscribed to the DBS Update Service, please provide the details and consent to allow us to check the DBS Update Service on the person specification self-declaration form. It is also crucial that you email a copy of your DBS certificate, via Trac, to the Cheshire & Merseyside Collaborative NHS Bank recruitment team as the team must see a copy of the original DBS certificate before being able to check the DBS Update Service.

Please be aware that if you are not currently signed up to the DBS Update Service, you will be required to have a new DBS within 12 months of your start date on the bank. It is important to understand that you will be required to fully pay for this DBS by deduction from your pay, the DBS will not be paid for by the Cheshire & Merseyside Collaborative NHS Bank.

Pay

What are the rates of pay?

Pay is under Agenda for Change – see payrates document for details.

If I already have a permanent/substantive post in an NHS trust, what point on the Agenda for Change pay scale will I be appointed to if I join the bank?

If you provide evidence in the form of a payslip, we will match your pay point.

Do you pay travel costs?

Unfortunately, we do not.

When will I receive payment for shifts worked?

You are paid the Friday after the week the shift was completed.

How do I get my annual leave paid?

This is accrued against the hours you work.  You can email cm.nhsbank@sthk.nhs.uk and they will let you know how much annual leave you have built up.  You are able to request up to the amount accrued by emailing cm.nhsbank@sthk.nhs.uk

Pension

Do you offer the NHS Pension?

Yes.  If you already work full time and pay into this, then you cannot make any more payments.  Please contact leademployer.pension@sthk.nhs.uk for any queries – please they cannot give you any financial advice.

Patchwork / Booking Shifts

How do I know that my Patchwork account is active?

You will receive notification via email telling you that your application is now complete.

How can I see if shifts are available?

Shifts are shown on the Patchwork App when you log in it will show you what shifts are available to you.

What information is available regarding a shift?

The date, times, location and department. If you need more information, the app gives you the option to ‘Ask the department a question’. Anything you enter here will be sent to the Trust where the shift is, who will respond to you directly.

How will I know if I have been approved to work a shift?

An email will be sent to your inbox in the Patchwork Health app and the email address that you have provided when you joined the app. The shifts you’re due to work can be found in the ‘Planner’ tab at the bottom of the app.

Who approves my shifts for payment and how will I know if they have been signed off?

Shifts are signed off by the unit manager or another allocated manager via the Patchwork Health app. It will then need to be approved for payment. Once approved you will receive confirmation via the app that payment has been approved.

How will I know if I have been approved to work a shift?

An email will be sent to your inbox in the Patchwork Health app and the email address that you have provided when you joined the app. The shifts you’re due to work can be found in the ‘Planner’ tab at the bottom of the app.

Miscellaneous

How do I contact the Endoscopy Bank Team?

Please do not hesitate to contact the team if your query has not been addressed in the FAQ’s. The team can be contacted via cm.nhsbank@sthk.nhs.uk

Can I undertake shifts where I normally work?

Shifts can only be undertaken with Trusts where you do not have your permanent role.

Can I undertake a bank shift whilst I am on annual leave?

Yes, however, it is important that you take time for regular rest and recuperation throughout your training.

Can I undertake a bank shift if I am off sick?

No, you are not permitted to work whilst in receipt of statutory or occupational sick pay (this would be treated as fraud).

When do I get my ID card?

An ID card is issued once you have completed the recruitment process – you will be asked to confirm receipt of this.

I’ve lost my ID card, what do I do?

Please contact the team cm.nhsbank@sthk.nhs.uk – there is a charge to reissue lost ID cards which is currently £5.

What do I do about uniform?

All Trust sites except for Aintree and Royal Liverpool provide scrubs for you.  If you do not have any and are going to work at either of these sites, please contact cm.nhsbanksthk.nhs.uk and we will send you a set of scrubs.