Grandmother-of-seven with a broken arm died after physician associate's 'mistake' during an 'unnecessary medical procedure'

Grandmother-of-seven with a broken arm died after physician associate's 'mistake' during an 'unnecessary medical procedure' By Meike Leonard Published: 20:09 EDT, 10 August 2024 | Updated: 20:09 EDT, 10 August 2024 e-mail View comments A grandmother in hospital with a broken arm died from an infection after an ‘unnecessary medical procedure’ was carried out by a physician associate. Susan Pollitt, 77, was admitted to Royal Oldham Hospital, Greater Manchester, in July last year. She died five days later after a procedure to remove excess fluid from her abdomen was botched by a physician associate (PA) – healthcare medics with just two years training.

The tragedy comes as criticism grows around the NHS ’s reliance on PAs – healthcare workers who do not have a medical degree but are employed to support doctors. PAs are not qualified to diagnose patients, prescribe drugs or order scans, and are meant to be constantly monitored by a doctor. Yet in an increasing number of cases, hospitals use PAs to cover for a lack of doctors in wards that range from gynaecology to A&E.

Susan Pollitt, 77, (pictured) was admitted to Royal Oldham Hospital, Greater Manchester, in July last year The tragedy comes as criticism grows around the NHS ’s reliance on PAs – healthcare workers who do not have a medical degree but are employed to support doctors. Pictured: File photo of The Royal Oldham Hospital Read More EXCLUSIVE Exposed: Websites where NHS doctors will sign you off sick for a .