Consultant pay rewards scheme to be reviewed

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey today announced that there will be a UK-wide review of the Clinical Excellence and Distinction Awards given to medical consultants.

The review has been commissioned by the four UK Health Departments and will be led by the independent Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB).

Health, Social Services and Public Safety Minister, Michael McGimpsey said: “The Clinical Excellence Awards is a UK wide initiative which recognises and rewards significant contributions to Health and Social Care which are over and above the standard normally expected of a consultant in their post. It is right that significant achievements are recognised, but in the current very difficult financial climate we must ensure that every penny is spent wisely.

“In Northern Ireland, our scheme is already proportionately less expensive than in other parts of the UK. This review will ensure that the clinical excellence awards schemes such as this are affordable and appropriate.

“A more transparent and sustainable awards system will allow the HSC to focus its resources to benefit patients and drive up standards. If we can find more productive ways of operating the health service, then the benefits will go towards enhancing patient care, increasing patient choice and ultimately improving health outcomes.”

The DDRB has been asked to submit recommendations to the UK Health Ministers by July 2011.

Notes to editors:

1. Clinical Excellence Awards (CEAs) are given to recognise and reward the exceptional contribution to Health and Social Care which is over and above the standard normally expected of a consultant in their post. Awards are given for a range of achievements, from research and innovation through to an outstanding commitment to quality of care and management. They are consolidated into pay and form part of pension contributions.

2. Distinction awards were first introduced in 1948, and were replaced by the Northern Ireland Clinical Excellence Awards scheme following a major review here in 2005.

3. The CEA scheme replaced the former discretionary points and distinction and meritorious service awards schemes with a single, more graduated scheme comprising both local and regional elements. The Northern Ireland Clinical Excellence Awards Committee (NICEAC) makes recommendations to the Department on which consultants should receive higher awards while lower awards are decided locally by HSC Trusts.

4. Staff who are eligible for the Award include fully registered medical or dental consultants. They must be on the specialist register of the General Medical Council (GMC) or specialist list of the General Dental Council (GDC), substantively appointed as an HSC consultant, and have at least three years’ experience at consultant level on 1 April in the award year. More information can be found online

5. There are 12 levels of award in Northern Ireland. Levels 1-8 are awarded locally (employer based awards) and Levels 9-12 are awarded regionally by the Northern Ireland Clinical Excellence Awards Committee (NICEAC).

6. Awards are held until retirement subject to reviews every 5 years. If reviews are unsatisfactory a one year review is required. Any unsatisfactory one year review can lead to an award being taken away.

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