Disappointingly, news from the British Medical Association (BMA) negotiating group does not appear to be imminently forthcoming.

A general statement to the effect that a lot of common ground has been established between the Staff and Associate Specialist negotiators and the Department of Health has been posted on the BMA website during December 2005, but no news as to when a draft agreement will be put to the vote has been announced. It would appear the timetable might be slipping.

However, in order to have your say on the new contract you need to be registered with the BMA. It is not a requirement in this instance to be a BMA member so if you have not registered visit their website www.bma.org.uk. At the top right of this page there is a 'contact us' tab so you can send your details electronically to the BMA (name, grade, work address and GMC number). Alternatively you can write to:
SAS Negotiating Team
BMA Head Office
BMA House
Tavistock Square
London WC1H 1JP

If you have not visited the site before you can find the Staff and Associate Specialist page in the light blue menu bar to the left-hand side of the home page.

I hope by the next newsletter there will be some more definite news to disseminate.

Regional Meetings
Also in my last column, I wrote about facilitating SAS doctors’ involvement in Regional BGS meetings. A pilot scheme has been started within the SW Thames Region where I work. The next SW Thames Regional meeting will be held at St George's Hospital sometime in May. I will try and ensure that SW Thames SAS doctors receive a timely invitation to the meeting

Sue Morgan
Chair
Staff and Associate Specialists Committee