NHS consultants could be close to new ‘seven day contract’ offer

Progress in negotiations means consultants working for NHS England could be offered a new ‘seven day contract’ before Easter, the BBC is reporting.

The government wants to amend consultants contracts as part of its plans for a ‘truly seven day NHS’.

This change would mean taking away a clause which allows consultants to opt-out of providing non-emergency care at weekends, which the government claims is a major barrier to ensuring a seven day service is achieved.

Negotiations between the BMA ad NHS Employers began in Autumn 2015 and have apparently gathered momentum in recent weeks, leading to speculation that a new contract offer could be out forward as early as Easter, with meetings scheduled for the coming weeks.

The news comes as the BMA is involved in a heated dispute with NHS Employers and the Department of Health over changes to junior doctors contracts. It is unclear what effect an agreement on the consultants’ contract would have on these negotiations, although the BBC has speculated it could leave junior doctors feeling ‘isolated’, facing threats of imposed contract conditions due to come into effect this summer.

Any contract offer would need to be put out to BMA consultant members to consider, before a final agreement is made.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "We want to introduce a fairer contract for consultants that better reflects their role as leaders in our NHS and helps to ensure patients get safe, high-quality care every day of the week.

"Talks with the BMA over proposed amendments to consultant contracts have been constructive."