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GP views sought on physician associates for BMA survey

17th November 2023 by NASGP

GP views sought on physician associates for BMA survey

GPs and BMA members have been asked their views on physician associates for a new survey by the BMA.

The survey, open until Monday 27 November, asks whether participants have experience of working with physician associates (PAs) or anaesthesia associates (AAs), as well as their views on the roles.

Last month the RCGP chair warned listeners of the GP Online podcast that PAs must work within ‘red lines’.

Prof Hawthorne said she had also been warned that it would take a year for PAs to become regulated by the GMC.

Earlier that month, the BMA had declared that the public finds the new PA role ‘highly misleading and confusing’.

And new campaign group, RestoreGP, has begun its own public information campaign to distinguish GPs and PAs.

Dr Richard Fieldhouse, NASGP chair, said: “As GPs, our work often takes us across a myriad of clinical roles and settings, giving us the opportunity to work with an exciting and diverse range of clinicians and patients. Yet, this variety also poses challenges, especially when it comes to understanding the professional boundaries within which each clinician operates. This is particularly relevant in the context of emerging roles such as physician associates.

“While their contribution can greatly enhance primary care, it is crucial that we, as GPs, are fully aware of the extent of our responsibilities and the implications of any decisions made concerning patient care.

“Whilst LocumDeck includes a terms and conditions template for locums to express their willingness to supervise non-GPs, it is clear that more needs to be done by the profession to provide clarity on this matter. The recent survey by the BMA is a step in the right direction and I encourage all GPs to participate and voice their experiences and views in this new survey from Pulse.”

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"LocumDeck has given me the opportunity to work in different practices and meet new colleagues. I enjoy the flexibility of working on a locum basis. I found the initial setting up process straightforward, and there is plenty of help with the set up guides as well as support from Katrina Munro, the Nurse Ambassador at Frimley Training Hub, and Becky Nelson, the Nurse Support Manager at LocumDeck. I now have regular bookings on days and times which suit me."

Anon nurse, Frimley

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