A majority of Scottish hospital consultants have voted in favour of new working arrangements which have been rejected in a UK-wide ballot.

The results of the referendum on a new NHS contract for consultants showed that across the UK almost two-thirds of doctors voted against.

However, in Scotland 59% of the 2,900 consultants voted to accept the new deal.

The Scottish Executive said it was pleased that Scottish consultants had voted in favour of the contract, but would not say whether it intended to press ahead with implementation north of the border.

Obviously we want to go ahead with the consultants contracts in Scotland

Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm

Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm said: "Obviously we want to go ahead with the consultants' contracts in Scotland.

"But equally we have to talk to the BMA (British Medical Association) - they have not given a view yet - and we have to talk to the UK government so that we can get a framework for that."

The new contract was designed to offer consultants higher pay in return for more commitment to the NHS rather than private practice.

It would pay consultants, specialist doctors with at least 15 years training, for the hours they work rather than expecting them to work limitless hours for a lump sum.

The deal would have given most consultants a significant pay rise, but the contract also requires them to give the NHS first call on their overtime.

It was received in Scotland, but in England consultants have more lucrative opportunities in the private sector and many staff there are suspicious of the increased powers the contract would give managers.

"Major concern"

Nationalists welcomed the vote and said the new contract offered a good deal for employers, doctors and patients.

"I welcome early indications from the executive that they will use their powers under the Scotland Act to reach an agreement with the Scottish consultants", said Scottish National Party health spokeswoman Nicola Sturgeon.

"Both sides must come together as soon as possible to make sure that this contract is implemented."

Dr Peter Terry from the British Medical Association in Scotland said the "no" vote in England and Wales was a "major concern".

Dr Terry, chairman of the Scottish Committee for Hospital Medical Services (SCHMS) said: "These views must not be ignored. One of the reasons given for rejection of the contract is the poor relationship between consultants and managers.

"It is possible that the overall "yes" vote in Scotland indicates a greater degree of partnership, trust and co-operative working between consultants and managers in Scotland."

Scottish leaders of the British Medical Association are to meet on Friday to decide the next move.