McKee backs consultants' bonus review

SNP Lothians MSP and former Wester Hailes GP Ian McKee today welcomed a decision by the UK government to review a controversial bonus scheme for consultants.

UK Health Secretary Andrew Lansley was this afternoon due to announce the re-examination of distinction awards, which can hand annual payments of up to 76,000 to senior doctors already on six-figure salaries.

Dr McKee has led the campaign against the bonuses and earlier this year persuaded Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon to freeze the payments in Scotland.

Today he said if the scheme was to continue, it should reward all health workers, not just highly-paid consultants.

He said: "There is no fairness in the system. Why is there no reward for frontline staff such as nurses or support workers who deliver such quality service for patients?

"Nurses can't continue to be treated like second-class health professionals. If the UK government agrees with that, I challenge them to open the awards to all nursing and support staff.

"I also believe bonuses should be restricted to exceptional merit. At the moment, far too many awards are granted.

"Each should be reviewed annually and not automatically awarded. And there is absolutely no justification for pensionable bonuses."