Reprieve For Discretionary Points For Consultants In Scotland
A plan to scrap the award of discretionary points to consultant dentists and doctors in Scotland for work done in 2010/11 has been shelved, it has been announced. The climb-down by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon means that the process of awarding points will be run as normal by Health Boards from 1 April 2011. The Scottish Government announced its intention to discontinue the award of discretionary points in November 2010, launching a consultation process on the issue that finished in February. This reprieve follows intensive lobbying by organisations of health professionals including the British Dental Association (BDA) and British Medical Association (BMA), which have pointed out that it would be unacceptable to change the agreed terms and conditions of NHS staff in this way. For distinction awards, there will, however, be no increase in the value of awards, no new awards and no progression through the scheme in 2011/12. The Scottish Government has, though, pledged to discuss and negotiate the reform of current systems with consultants in Scotland following the publication of the independent UK-wide DDRB review of current award schemes. Ian Watson, Chair of the BDA’s Scottish Committee for Hospital Dental Services, said: “BDA Scotland has worked hard alongside its counterparts from the BMA and other representative organisations to highlight the unacceptability of proposals to change the agreed terms and conditions of hardworking, frontline health service staff. We are pleased to see that our arguments have been taken on board by Government. “Going forward, it will be vital that Government keeps its promise to consider any further proposals for reform in partnership with representative bodies including the BDA. We will continue to campaign for a fair approach to terms and conditions for our members who work hard to deliver the highest levels of care for their patients.”
Similar Posts:
- Student Fee Announcement Provides Breathing Space, Says BDA, UK
- Dental, DH Students Receive MDAF Scholarships
- Secretary Of State For Health To Address British Dental Conference And Exhibition, UK
- Dental Helpline On Hand To Reassure Public, UK
- Have you had complications following a cosmetic procedure?
Tags: Discretionary Points, Scotland