NHS Faces Criticism Over High Overtime Pay for Consultants

A BBC investigation reveals senior doctors are earning up to £200,000 annually in overtime as the NHS struggles to manage waiting lists and staffing shortages.

The NHS's overtime bill has reached nearly £1 billion for 2023/24, with some consultants earning more than £100,000 each in overtime.
Consultants are leveraging part-time contracts to work significant overtime hours, often at rates exceeding £200 per hour.
Hospitals are compelled to pay premium rates due to staffing shortages, strike coverage, and the need to reduce waiting lists.
The British Medical Association argues that overtime reliance is driven by workforce shortages and high patient demand.
Efforts to reform include increased NHS funding and plans for staff to work evenings and weekends to clear backlogs.