Consultants' merit award system to be reformed

BMJ 1998;317:429 ( 15 August )

News

Consultants' merit award system to be reformed

John Warden, parliamentary correspondent, BMJ

Government discontent with the system of distinction awards paid to British consultants surfaced this week in a package of measures that the Department of Health described as the biggest reform of consultants' pay for 50 years, with a more fundamental review to follow next year.

Although issued for consultation, the proposals reflect already firm government policy, which will influence the 1999 doctors' pay review. Under these proposals, the Advisory Committee on Distinction Awards, which currently comprises 33 members (including 25 consultants), would be reduced to 14--a chairman, five consultants, and eight representatives of NHS employers and patients' interests.

The new committee would be able to review and withdraw awards at any time--for example, after General Medical Council findings, criminal conviction, or a decision by the proposed Commission for Health Improvement. Future awards should recognise outstanding commitment to achieving the goals of the . . . [Full text of this article]

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