NHS head admits contract mistakes

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/6288931.stm

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The head of the health service in Scotland has admitted that significant mistakes were made in drawing up the new contract for NHS consultants.

The deal has cost an extra £235m - four times the original estimate.

Replying to criticisms from Holyrood's audit committee, NHS Scotland's Kevin Woods denied there was no evidence of patients benefiting from reforms.

But he agreed it was a mistake not to collect data on Scottish work patterns, relying on English samples instead.

The new contract for Scotland's 3,500 consultants was the first since 1948.

Mr Woods agreed the contract reforms had not been used to maximise improved patient treatment.

However, he said patients had benefited from the reforms, highlighting the move to day surgery in Dumfries and Galloway, more efficient use of operating theatres in Lothian and the Highlands and waiting time reductions in the Forth Valley, the Borders and Lanarkshire.