The Clinical Excellence Awards Scheme

Clinical Excellence Awards recognise and regard NHS consultants and academic GPs who perform 'over and above' the standard expected of their role. Awards are given for quality and excellence, acknowledging exceptional personal contributions.

To be considered for an award, consultants and academic GPs will have to demonstrate achievements in developing and delivering high-quality patient care, and a commitment to the continuous improvement of the NHS.

It is important to remember, however:

the absence of a Clinical Excellence Award is not an indication that a consultant will provide anything other than high-quality clinical care
that comparisons between award levels will not be a reliable guide to the standard of everyday care provided by different consultants

There are currently 12 levels of award. Levels 1-8 are awarded locally (employer-based awards), with 8 being the highest, and levels 10-12 (silver, gold and platinum hereafter) are awarded nationally. Level 9 awards can be awarded locally or nationally, depending on the type of contribution. To avoid confusion, national level 9s are usually referred to as bronze.

It should be noted a small number of consultants have awards from a previous version of the Clinical Excellence Awards Scheme, these comprise B, A and A+ Distinction Awards. These can be considered generally equivalent to the current Bronze, Gold and Platinum Awards, respectively.

Comments

6 Comments about ‘The Clinical Excellence Awards Scheme’

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Comments are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.

UnhappyBunny said on 15 May 2013

How often are these awards of excellence re monitored? I can tell you emphatically that in my case the award level for the consultant that I saw recently should have had a minus in front of the number. There should also be a year stated for when the award was given. I am not alone in having a bad experience with this particular consultant but his award level is quite high which is very misleading. All staff should have spot checks and patient evaluation sheets done after each consultation not just let the award level be stated for the foreseeable future. Consultants are not gods.

Bovey said on 02 April 2012

Unfortunately in my opinion the levels are not indicative of ability. The higher rated rheumatologist saw me and after a cursury examination declared I "only had fibromyalgia" and no sign of inflammatory arthritis. (30 yrs previously I had been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis by a doctor since retired), they had not appeared to have read my notes; they did not order any investigations. My GP accepted the diagnosis without thought. I had to pay for a second opinion. This second rheumatologist was "only" a level 2. After MRI scans ankylosing spondylitis was confirmed; it is now severe. my spine is fused in many places including my chest. Thank God I could pay!
The first rheumatologist had previously seen me when they first came to the area; they discharged me, not appearing to want patients with AS clogging up their list. I was left to deteriorate under the "care" of my GP.

she57 said on 15 February 2012

I have been under the plastic surgery dept since I had breast cancer in 2004. Unfortunately my immediate reconstruction failed and have since had chemo and radio treatment, thus along with a large weight gain has delayed my reconstruction. I am now in the final stages after having an inflater inserted and am now awaiting a final implant. However due to the current situation with the PIP implant scare I am concerned that this will delay my final operation.
Despite all the trauma that I have been through I cannot praise my consultant enough for the treatment I have received, he has always been there for me and explained each procedure thoroughly and made sure that I have understood the situation. He promised me that he would 'put me back together again' I can only say that I am well on my way to being just that. Hooray for the NHS.

roly50 said on 13 December 2011

I am under a cardiologist consultant with ongoing heart problems,I would not want to go any where else he is great and I cannot thank him enough for his help.
Also a big thank you to all the staff in the cardiology unit and the pace maker clinic you are a very special group of dedicated people.
To the Glenfield Hospital I have to say whenever I need help with my heart condition I would want to be taken to your hospital, You are all appreciated very much by me and my wife.
Merry Christmas to you all at the Glenfield Hospital

Ray Lee said on 06 December 2011

I can only speak as to my experience at NUH cardiology are a life saver. they go above and beyond the call of duty.
Well done Foxglove you are amazing.

Billericay said on 27 October 2011

I am not surprised that the neurologist is only a Level 2 as they got my diagnosis. I have Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Sneddon's Syndrome and have had 2 strokes.

The neurologist diagnosis was that I had a somatisation disorder and needed psychiatric help? If it were not for their comments I may have had help in getting my disorders diagnosed sooner thus avoiding having the strokes.

Thanks Doc.

Last reviewed: 09/01/2013

Next review due: 09/01/2015

The DDRB Report on its review of the Clinical Excellence Awards Scheme

The award schemes have been reviewed on a UK wide basis by the independent Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration. The government has identified some recommendations that have been accepted and announced that further discussions with the medical profession will be undertaken.

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