BMA concludes talks on new consultant contract
17 July 2003
The BMA Consultant Committee negotiators today concluded talks with the Department of Health on the heads of agreement for a new consultant contract.
Dr Paul Miller, chairman of the BMA Consultants Committee said "We believe that this is the best available contract package and we will put it to the BMA's Consultant Committee for them to decide if it should go out to a ballot of all consultants and specialist registrars in England.
"In the past two weeks we have had intensive, difficult, but constructive talks with the Department of Health. We have made progress on a number of issues which are very important for consultants.
"One of the improvements is that there will no longer be any differential treatment for new consultants. Job planning will give priority to the professionalism and clinical judgement of consultants. There will be a fair and balanced appeals panel where agreement is difficult. While consultants will continue to provide emergency care during evenings, nights, and weekends, routine work during those periods will be voluntary and rewarded at an enhanced rate.
The BMA will now call a special meeting of the Consultants Committee in August. If they agree to put this contract to a ballot it will take place soon afterwards.
Letter to all consultants in England and Heads of Agreement on the new consultant contract