McGimpsey announces outcome of pay awards for doctors and dentists

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today announced the pay award arising from the recommendations of the Review Body on Doctors and Dentists (DDRB) pay for 2010-2011.

The pay award includes:

• 1% increase for Foundation House Officer Doctors (1 & 2) and their equivalent grades, registrars, specialty doctor and associated specialist grades, salaried general medical practitioners and salaried general dental practitioners;
• No increase in consultant pay scales or clinical excellence awards;
• No increase in net income for independent contractor General Medical Practitioners however, the General Medical Services contract will be uplifted by 0.8% to reflect increases in GP Practice expenses;
• No increase in net income for independent contractor General Dental Practitioners however, the expenses element of certain items of service will be increased by 0.9% to reflect increase in GDP Practice expenses.

Mr McGimpsey said “I am satisfied that this is a good deal for staff, and for patients and taxpayers in the current very difficult financial climate. The increases are fair, but realistic.

“There has been significant investment in our medical workforce in recent years, which has improved recruitment and retention, and has had a direct impact on the front line services provided.

“I want to continue to improve services for our patients and clients. My Department will continue to work with the British Medical Association (BMA) and the British Dentist Association (BDA) to focus resources on local priorities.”

Turning to the pay award for doctors in training, the Minister said that unfortunately a bid to the Department of Finance and Personnel to approve the 1.5% recommended pay award had been turned down.

He said: “There is no doubt that there are significant problems in recruiting and retaining junior doctors in Northern Ireland, that is why my Department bid to match the 1.5% increase recommended by the pay review body. I acknowledge that the Department of Health in England have implemented a 1% increase for junior doctors but governments in Scotland and Wales have accepted the 1.5% recommendation.

“I realise that this will be disappointing news for some junior doctors but I can assure them that I have made every effort that I can to meet the recommendations of the pay review body.”

Notes to editors:

1. The report of the Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body can be found online

2. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575. For out of office hours press enquiries please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.