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Written by: Chauly Werrett
Reviewed by a Medico-Legal Expert
Last Reviewed:
Oct 2025
Healthcare professionals working in the NHS and private practices face the same employment challenges as other employees. However, there are added layers of Best Medical Practice, Patient Safety and other regulatory requirements.
Navigating these is often confusing and can sometimes be an anxious time for healthcare workers. MDS has compiled a series of simple guides regarding initial steps that can be taken to address these issues.
A doctor’s payslip normally includes their basic pay for a 40 hour week, on-call hours in their equivalent category, and any extra shifts. Some doctors such as Specialty doctors and Consultants will be paid according to their Programmed Activities (PAs) as agreed in their job plan. A typical full job role at this level will comprise of 10 PAs, with extra PAs normally seen at Consultant level. Depending on the seniority of the doctor, for example at Consultant level, some will also be eligible for a Clinical Excellence Award.
The problem often arises when a doctor is not paid the on-call hours as they should, or they were paid less than their contractual job plans. In other cases of non doctors, the payslip may not include a payment for the additional hours, which they did in the belief that they would be compensated accordingly. It is important to keep a record of all deductions. Compare these with your previous payslips and, initially, contact your payroll department for a detailed breakdown.
Compare them with your previous payslips and query with your payroll department for a breakdown of these deductions in the first instance. This is because your pay and pay slip are information sensitive and due to data protection, your payroll department will not respond to MDS without your explicit permission.
In the event that you think the deductions are unreasonable due to an unresolved working pattern or job plan, MDS can assist you with writing to your managers for the outstanding payments or submit a complaint (grievance) if the matter is still unresolved.
In the event that you think the deductions are unreasonable due to an unresolved working pattern or job plan, MDS can assist you with writing to your line manager for the outstanding payments or submit a complaint (grievance) if the matter is still unresolved. Looking for medical protection?
MDS offers membership plans tailored to a wide range of healthcare professionals, including access to expert medico legal services. Visit our membership page to see if we have the right plan for you.
If you have any questions about the medical protection and support we provide as a Medical Defence Organisation, our membership team is here to help. Not a Member Yet? Join MDS now for immediate access to expert medico-legal advice, statement & employment support. Call us on 0300 30 32 442 or email: [email protected]
