Consultant contract fails to deliver expected benefits for patients

NHS consultants have done well out of their new contract, introduced in 2003, but there is little sign as yet of a positive outcome for patients, a report from the King's Fund has warned. The so called benefits realisation from the new deal—securing changes in working patterns that would improve services—remain to be seen, says the report.

The Department of Health has already admitted that the contract cost £90m (荤130m; $170m) more to implement than was planned, says the report. It shows how consultants' pay increased substantially in 2001-5, with starting salaries rising from £50 810 in 2001 to £69 298 in 2005.

The increased costs have put considerable …