Figures released by NHS data reveal that the highest-paid NHS consultant earned nearly £500,000 in 2020. This unidentified senior doctor, based in the Midlands, pocketed £489,500, while two other top-paid medics in the Midlands and London earned £386,000 and £385,500, respectively. These salaries are comparable to the Prime Minister’s salary of £165,000. The average annual basic pay for full-time equivalent consultants currently stands at £104,357, but with additional compensation for overtime, medical awards, and geographic allowances, this figure extends to £126,125.
Consultants, who typically earn £128,000 from the NHS, have the opportunity to engage in lucrative private work during strikes, allowing them to continue profiting. This comes as consultants plan to stage a two-day strike following a five-day strike by junior doctors, which will be the longest walkout in NHS history. Health leaders express concerns about the potential disruption to patients and hospitals.
NHS Digital data shows that out of England’s 48,000 consultants in 2020, twelve earned more than £350,000, 600 earned more than £200,000, and 7,700 earned £150,000 or higher. These figures include bonuses and overtime. Some consultants, along with dentists and academic GPs, can receive National Clinical Impact Awards, with bonuses ranging from £20,000 to £40,000.
While some argue that consultants deserve their high pay, others believe that now is not the time for them to demand significant pay increases. With record waiting lists and patients struggling to access care, there are concerns that such demands may exacerbate existing issues. Calls for comprehensive NHS reform arise, highlighting the need to address productivity and access rather than focusing solely on consultants’ salaries.
Moreover, recent strikes by consultants and junior doctors have led to the cancellation of numerous appointments, further hindering efforts to address the 7.4 million people on waiting lists. The British Medical Association (BMA) has indicated that strikes will continue unless the government offers a “credible” pay proposal. The BMA also allows consultants to continue working in private practice during strikes.
The government emphasizes that consultants received a 4.5 percent pay increase last year, with additional changes to their pension scheme. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesperson criticizes consultants who choose to prioritize private patients over NHS patients during strikes, urging them to consider the impact on the healthcare system.
In addition, the head of the BMA warns that all four types of doctors, including GPs and specialist doctors, may engage in disputes with the government over pay and conditions. Specialists argue that their pay has fallen by 25 percent since 2008, while GPs express frustration over the imposition of a new contract.
Overall, the debate surrounding consultants’ pay raises concerns about patient care, the strain on the NHS, and the need for comprehensive reform within the healthcare system.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
