Senior NHS consultants are reportedly demanding as much as £6,000 per shift to provide emergency on-call cover, as tensions over pay and working conditions reach boiling point.
The staggering figure comes amid an ongoing dispute between the government and medical professionals, with many consultants refusing to work beyond their contracted hours without significant compensation.
Growing Strain on NHS Services
The demands highlight the growing strain on NHS services, with hospitals struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels. Consultants argue that the current pay structure fails to reflect the pressures of the job, particularly for out-of-hours emergency cover.
One insider revealed: 'Many senior doctors feel they're being taken for granted. The NHS relies on their goodwill, but that goodwill is running out.'
Government Under Pressure
The situation puts further pressure on the government to resolve the long-running pay dispute with NHS staff. Health Secretary has previously warned that the health service cannot sustain such high costs for temporary cover.
However, consultants maintain that the demands reflect the reality of their responsibilities and the sacrifices required for on-call work, which often involves being available at short notice through nights and weekends.
Impact on Patient Care
Patient advocacy groups have expressed concern about the potential impact on care quality if hospitals cannot secure adequate cover. 'This is ultimately about patient safety,' said one NHS trust manager.
The dispute comes as waiting lists for treatment in England remain near record levels, with more than 7 million people currently waiting for routine hospital care.
