NHS cuts use of physician associates over ‘substitute doctor’ fear

The NHS has reduced the use of physician associates after a government review found that they were being used as a “substitute” for doctors, a survey has suggested.

The number of physician associates (PAs) averaging more than 11 patient interactions — including consultations, follow-ups, results and referrals — per shift, has dropped since publication of the Leng review in July. More than three-quarters (76 per cent) of PAs said their scope of practice had been restricted in recent months.

The findings come from a survey of 457 associates by United Medical Associate Professionals (UMAPs), the physician associates union.

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Source: The Times, 29 January 2026