I have a similiar line of thinking to yours in most things concerning the NHS. But I have to disagree this time, on one thing. Taking away SPAs and converting them to DCCs is a knee jerk reaction. What we do need is an external peer review of each and every consultant's job contract, their working pattern, and CPD. Essentially, an enhanced appraisal + job plan review, but by an outsider (within the NHS). We could start with CDs doing these for consultants from other trusts, or publishing yearly summary of their reviews. Things need to be in the open, if you got nothing to hide, there is no need to worry.
Rapid Response:
Re: Consultants’ contracts: could do better
Dear Des,
I have a similiar line of thinking to yours in most things concerning the NHS. But I have to disagree this time, on one thing. Taking away SPAs and converting them to DCCs is a knee jerk reaction. What we do need is an external peer review of each and every consultant's job contract, their working pattern, and CPD. Essentially, an enhanced appraisal + job plan review, but by an outsider (within the NHS). We could start with CDs doing these for consultants from other trusts, or publishing yearly summary of their reviews. Things need to be in the open, if you got nothing to hide, there is no need to worry.
Competing interests: One SPA