London - The British government yesterday announced a radical plan to overhaul the pay awards of senior NHS consultants and immediately denied the move was a direct result of the recent heart operation tragedy at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, writes Rachel Donnelly.
The Health Minister, Mr Alan Milburn, said a new body would be established to review the performance of NHS consultants and it would have the power to reduce or withdraw distinction awards which can amount to £50,000 a year until a consultant retires.
However, Mr Milburn denied suggestions that the decision was made in the light of the scandal at the Bristol Royal Infirmary in June. Then, the General Medical Council found three doctors at the hospital guilty of serious professional misconduct as a result of the deaths of 29 children after heart surgery.