Ballots issued to BMA consultants over new contracts

Twenty-six thousand consultants and 8,000 specialist registrars in England will be sent their ballot papers tomorrow to see if the proposed new consultant contract is acceptable to them.

The ballot will be run by ERS (Electoral Reform Services). The closing date for the ballot is 10am Monday 20 October 2003. The question for consideration is: 'Do you want to have the option to take up the new 2003 national contract negotiated between the BMA and Department of Health in England?'

The BMA has now had a commitment from the government to provide funding to allow the contract to be offered to clinical academics.

Professor Michael Rees, chairman of the BMA's Medical Academic Staff Committee, said: "This is a very welcome opportunity for us to have our say alongside our NHS colleagues. The proposals represent a useful starting point for a new contract for medical academics."

Dr Paul Miller, chairman of the BMA's Consultants Committee urged a 'yes' vote and said that he believed the new contract offered "substantial improvements" on last year's framework.

Mr Simon Eccles, chairman of the BMA's Junior Doctors Committee, added: "This contract represents a significant improvement on the previous framework, and the majority of the concerns raised by the Junior Doctors Committee have been addressed. The provisions for part-time working are excellent, there will be no discrimination against newly qualified consultants, and no compunction to do routine work at evenings and weekends, even in specialties like Accident and Emergency."

(gmcg)