New deal could end strike action by top hospital doctors in England

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. BMA consultants committee chairman Dr Vishal Sharma said: “This hard fought-for offer marks a step forward in restoring fairness and if it is accepted, as we hope it will be, it is essential that the pay review process makes recommendations that will further restore consultants’ pay in the coming years, to fix the retention crisis among the consultant workforce – and therefore safeguard medical expertise in the NHS.” Commenting on the new offer for consultants in England, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Ending strike action in the NHS is vital if we want to cut waiting lists and make sure patients are getting the care they deserve. open image in gallery Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delivers a speech to business and construction representatives “This improved offer demonstrates that we are seeking a fair agreement that is good for consultants, good for patients, and good for the taxpayer.” Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins added: “I hugely value the work of NHS consultants and am glad that unions are recommending this revised offer to their members – they clearly recognise the various benefits it offers. “It paves the way to ending industrial action by consultants following many weeks of constructive dialogue and represents a good offer for consultants, patients and the taxpayer.” The BMA said that it has also secured “important changes” to the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration pay review body which will “return it to its original purpose and independence”, including changes to the way members are appointed to the body and that the Government will no longer be able to limit its remit with reference to inflation targets. “Ultimately, each consultant will have their own decision to make, but the BMA’s consultants committee believes the offer marks significant progress in reaching our aims of reforming the pay review process and preventing further pay cuts.” HCSA president Dr Naru Narayanan said: “After further high-intensity negotiations the HCSA Executive feels this package has improved sufficiently to recommend a Yes vote to members.