§ Angela SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what written and oral representations or submissions he or his Department have received since May 1997 concerning NHS consultants working outside the NHS; and if he will make a statement on their contents. [70327]
§ Mr. DenhamMinisters and officials have received written and oral representations from many individuals, organisations and trust managers about National Health Service consultants. Departmental officials have also talked to a range of individuals and organisations in preparing to open negotiations with the British Medical Association on a new consultant contract, and these discussions have generated a variety of ideas and opinions. Negotiations opened in December.
Some representations have expressed concern about the time consultants spend on private practice and questioned their commitment to the NHS. Others have emphasised their hard work and dedication. Most consultants work very hard for the NHS. We are alert, however, to the possibility of conflicts of interest where consultants work outside the NHS. We want to modernise their contracts to ensure that the skills and commitment of consultants are priorities and goals of the NHS and through this to resolve any apparent conflict of interest between private and NHS work.
527W