Restrictions on consultants’ non-contracted hours
Healthcare Market News - Restrictions on NHS consultants’ ability to work for alternative providers of NHS-funded services during their non-contracted hours may be having an adverse effect on patient choice and competition. And the situation has now prompted the Co-operation and Competition Panel (CCP) to publish two discussion papers on the subject as part of its on-going study.

The first paper provides important context for the study, identifying the various restrictions on consultants’ use of their non-contracted hours, whilst the second focuses on the resulting costs and benefits to patients and taxpayers.

‘The two discussion papers set out our progress so far and provide and opportunity for interested organisations and individuals to respond and provide further information,’ said Mr Andrew Taylor, chief executive of the CCP. ‘They are an important part of our commitment to employing transparent processes and giving stakeholders an opportunity to see and respond to the evidence before we reach any conclusions.’

The CCP has been asked to report by August 28th and in the event the restrictions are found to be problematic, the CCP has been asked to make recommendations to assist NHS organisations in addressing the challenges posed by consultants working for multiple operators, including both NHS and independent sector providers.
Robert Potter (09/06/2009)

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