Discrimination in discretionary points award scheme: Discretionary points have to be applied for

EDITOR—By using as their denominator figure the number of consultants eligible for discretionary points, Esmail et al introduce a flaw to their hypothesis.1

Not all eligible consultants apply for discretionary points. Those that do not apply will not be considered and will not receive them. Their finding that non-white and female consultants have fewer points could be because more of these categories do not apply for them.