Waiting lists soar as third of top doctors hit by punitive tax

ONE in three senior clinicians could be affected by NHS pensions rules which are contributing to a steep rise in waiting lists, health officials have said.

Ministers opened a consultation today on changes to the way the scheme operates amid a growing crisis as doctors refuse to work overtime.

Treasury rules means that high earners can end up paying tax rates of more than 90 per cent on earnings over £110,000 a year, which include rises in the value of pensions.

This has led to many doctors turning down overtime or weekend work, resulting in a growing backlog of cancer scans and waiting lists rising by 50 per cent in some parts of the country.

Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, pledged last night to listen to the concerns of consultants, GPS and other senior clinicians.

“Too many of our most experienced clinicians are reducing their hours, or leaving the NHS early because of frustration over their pension. I want them to know that I am listening and I want to work with them to fix it for the sake of patients,” he said.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said the Government’s 12-week consultation included no realistic options to bring an end to the crisis.

Dr Rob Harwood, chairman of the BMA consultants committee, said that the proposals would not ease the crisis, and called for the annual allowance limit to be scrapped.

He said: “This consultation does little other than add to the intolerable dilemma facing many doctors – a commitment to their patients put in jeopardy by these ridiculous taxes which are forcing doctors to effectively pay to go to work.”