Streeting backs role for physician associates in NHS despite RCGP vote

Physician associates (PAs) have a role to play in the NHS, but doctors' concerns about how they are working must be taken seriously, the health and social care secretary Wes Streeting has said.

Mr Streeting's comments come after the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) voted last week to oppose any role for PAs in general practice in a move that marked a change in position for the college.

Responding to a question from GPonline about his views on the college's decision at Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool on 23 September, Mr Streeting said: 'I think physician associates do have a role to play in a modern NHS and there are physician associates every day in our country providing great care and making a great contribution, not just to patients but to their colleagues.'

He added: "Where I think we have a challenge is that legitimate concerns that have been expressed by doctors, both about [doctors being substituted for PAs] and patient safety, have been ignored by the previous government and in the process [doctors] have felt gaslit. 

"That has fuelled quite a toxic debate particularly online that has led to a lot of physician associates feeling quite demoralised and doctors feeling unheard."

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Source: GP Online, 24 September 2024