Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon today welcomed Andrew Lansley’s announcement of a UK-wide review of clinical excellence and distinction awards.

This follows the Health Secretary’s call earlier this year for an overhaul of the existing system of merit awards paid to consultants.

Ms Sturgeon said:

“I very much welcome the fact that the Westminster government now agrees with my proposal for a UK-wide review of the current clinical excellence and distinction award schemes.

“In recent months I have made clear my view that the current system of consultant distinction awards should be reformed so that we can achieve a fairer and more cost-effective method of rewarding excellence across the NHS.

“The Scottish Government will be putting forward detailed evidence to the Doctors and Dentists Review Body, which will be carrying out the review on behalf of the four UK administrations. In line with the usual approach to DDRB reports, the Scottish Government reserves the right to accept or reject, in whole or in part, the outcomes of the review.”