HOSPITAL consultants have backed down from an immediate fight with the Government by agreeing to restart talks on workplace reforms to create a seven-day NHS, it was confirmed yesterday.

Their union said a pledge of better safeguards persuaded top doctors in England to negotiate on contract changes, including ending their right to opt out of working at weekends.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt threatened to impose new terms if the British Medical Association refused negotiations.

Last month, the BMA’s UK junior doctor committee voted not to re-enter talks on the Government’s “unacceptable” offer.

They now await the Government’s next step although senior doctors are Mr Hunt’s highest priority because it is their alleged absence at weekends and evenings which is seen as the biggest threat to patient safety.

Initial negotiations stalled last October because of concerns about insufficient protection for doctor and patient safety.

Announcing the consultants’ decision, their committee chairman Paul Flynn said: “The BMA is committed to reaching agreement on a contract that delivers high-quality, safe patient care across the week.

“There is still much to discuss but we want to deliver a contract that is good for patients, fair for doctors and good for the NHS.”

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