Anaesthetists gain pay parity

The announcement follows over a year of discussions on an issue regarded as being of paramount importance by the AAGBI, who commented that many consultant anaesthetists around the country have been reluctant to volunteer for the extra Independent Sector work because the 57-year old NHS parity principle was being flouted. If equal rates of pay are now offered in the Independent Sector as well for this NHS work, the AAGBI believes their view will be different.

DH has also confirmed that all consultants undertaking contracted NHS work in Independent Sector Treatment Centres procured by the Commercial Directorate will be covered by the National Health Service Litigation Authority (NHSLA) medical indemnity scheme.