A lack of distinction between fully-trained doctors, physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) allegedly poses “a real danger” to patients. The doctors’ union took its regulator to court this week over the “dangers” of a catch-all “medical professionals” term being applied to doctors and their less-qualified colleagues. Dr Jatinder Hayre, a practicing doctor in the Midlands, writer and medical campaigner, said the rocketing number of PAs is a source of real concern - with patients who think they’re seeing a GP risking meeting “unregulated and unqualified” associates instead.
As the number of doctors in the NHS dwindles - due to “training bottlenecks, people going abroad and choosing other careers entirely” - a PA recruitment drive is on track to create 10,000 roles by the end of the decade, Dr Hayre said. The British Medical Association (BMA) is pursuing two cases against the General Medical Council (GMC) for the term “medical professional” to only be applied to doctors and to clarify PA and AA skillsets to the public - namely their lack of formal training. Emily Chesterton, 30, died in 2022 after seeing a PA she thought was a GP and being misdiagnosed as a result.
She was told her ankle pain was only due to a sprain when it was actually a blood clot which spread to her leg and lung, ultimately taking her life. A separate case is also being brought against the GMC by Anaesthetists United alongside Ms Chesterton’s parents, seekin.
