By Vivienne Russell | 9 September 2013
Welsh Assembly members have criticised the NHS in Wales over the way it uses consultants, saying the job planning process is regarded as little more than a ‘tick-box exercise’.
In a report published today, the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee, reviewed the impact of a revised contract for consultants, which was introduced in 2003.
Although this had improved recruitment and retention of senior doctors, the AMs were told that many continue to work excessive hours and don’t have their job plans reviewed regularly. This hinders Health Boards’ ability to plan their resources effectively, the committee said. It urged the Welsh Government to do more to co-ordinate the process.
Committee chair Darren Millar said: ‘The lack of strategic leadership by the Welsh Government is concerning and we consider that every effort should be made to extract maximum public value from the existing consultant contract.
‘The dedication of individual consultants to addressing patients’ needs is commendable. But we don’t believe the status quo of so many consistently working such long hours is sustainable.’
The committee called for the introduction of national guidance on consultants’ working hours to ensure senior doctors do not work beyond the limit set out in the European Working Time Directive.
