§ Ms. PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on relating the system of distinction awards for consultants to their performance, with particular reference to outcomes.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe leaflet "Consultants' Distinction Awards", issued in October 1990, sets out general guidelines on the criteria used in assessing consultants for 535W awards. A copy of the leaflet is available in the Library. This makes clear that, in considering consultants for awards, awards committees look for performance over and above what is normally expected in respect of service to patients, teaching and the management and development of the service.
§ Ms. PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the reform of the system of distinction awards—merit payments—for consultants.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThere are at present no plans to change the distinction awards system.