TESTIMONY
"Thank you, but that is not enough." This is the feeling of Doctor Pascal Mayvaert, president of the association of coordinating doctors in Alsace nursing homes, following the press point organized on Thursday by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health, Olivier Véran. The latter announced "exceptional" aid of 475 million euros for institutions for the elderly, regardless of their status. Aid accompanied by a bonus of 1,500 euros for all staff of the Ehpad in the 33 departments "where the epidemic will have been the strongest", and 1,000 euros for the others.
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"It does not solve the problems of under-remuneration"
This measure, called for so far by the association of directors of retirement homes, AD-PA, and the Synerpa union, is nevertheless not sufficient, insists Doctor Pascal Mayvaert. "It is a recognition of the nation to the staff of the Ehpad," he concedes. "But a bonus is something instantaneous, it does not solve the problems of underpaid nursing staff in Ehpad who are not paid at all at the same level as hospital staff in health care".
Olivier Véran said that this bonus "will be paid in the coming weeks and will be tax exempt". A similar bonus will be paid to caregivers working in "establishments responsible for disability", added the minister. This widespread and long-awaited financial recognition should benefit a total of 380,000 employees. People "on the front line, often destitute, with a phenomenal workload", abounds the president of association. According to him, these caregivers, "in general, expect more".