Andrew,I have a lot of respect for you and the wonderful work you did for the junior contract (my registrar is currently earning more money that myself), but in this case what we need is more information and less sarcasm.I am not pretending that I would do a better job, far from it, but this argument cannot be used to save our representatives from critiscism. Remember that a few months ago, there were others who knew they could get a better deal and doubtless they did vote NO and then were elected to represent us ALL.
This group of people united the consultant body and were successful in resisting pressure for local negotiations. They went back for further negotiations and came out with some welcomed improvements, but sounding exactly the same that the previous team. Suddenly they stop answering questions and they leave us in the dark again. The BMA have a lot of explaining to do.
Just a few points that need to be answered:
- The BMA surveyed its members a few months ago and last March the results were published. Some of the things that came out were :
- 62 % were dissatisfied with the pay structure in the framework
- 55 % were dissatisfied with the pay progression
- 70 % were dissatisfied with having to offer an additional session for Non-NHS work
These points were not touched in the new proposal, they framework remains the same.
- More specific to A&E , the survey showed an interesting fact. A&E was the specialty with highest percentage of half-days given in compensation for on-call time (~ 70 % of consultants). Well, the new contract is going to affect our specialty more than the others as these deals will disappear. In our Hospital it will not be a big problem , but Can everybody say the same?
- The "Welsh question" still unanswered.Why are the proposals so different ? Why not to offer the same for England?
- Why should I believe them when they say that this is "the best deal possible" when the same people said NO to a previous "the best deal possible"? Why shouldn't I wait for the next "the best deal possible?
The BMA need to answer all the questions clearly, without the typical " Trust me . we know best".
Andrew, my main question in my previous e-mail still stands, and it was an honest question. You were very much against the previous framework, what are you seeing in these new proposals that made you change your mind?.
And believe me, I really want to be "converted" because life would be much easier if we can put this matter behind. But tiredness is not a reason to vote YES
-----Original Message-----
From: Accident and Emergency Academic List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Andrew Hobart
Sent: 27 August 2003 16:40
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: UK Consultant Contract
I did not say it was wonderful. Just the best we will get. In my
opinion.
But there may be others who know how we could get better and doubtless
they will be voting no and then standing for election to represent us
all.
Andrew
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