asked the Minister for Health the average number of hours devoted to the care of public patients by medical consultants in public hospitals; and the average payment for such work by health boards for the latest year for which such data is available.
Written Answers. - Hospital Consultants.
178.
In accordance with the terms of the common contract each consultant has a scheduled commitment in respect of eligible patients of a specified number of hours per week. In respect of a consultant who has a whole time commitment the number of hours involved is 33 per week. The majority of consultants have whole time appointments.
The average payment to a consultant in respect of a 33 hour scheduled commitment is £34,320. This payment recognises additional work performed by a consultant beyond 33 hours per week on the basis that each consultant has continuing responsibility for his patients so long as they remain in his care.