This is a must read article from Liam Thorp about growing concerns among doctors at how the NHS is using Physician Associates. I led a debate in Parliament about the tragic death of Emily Chesterton after she saw the same Physician Associate twice & I find this deeply worrying. - ThreadSky

baronesskeeley.bsky.social • 108 days ago

This is a must read article from Liam Thorp about growing concerns among doctors at how the NHS is using Physician Associates.

I led a debate in Parliament about the tragic death of Emily Chesterton after she saw the same Physician Associate twice & I find this deeply worrying.

Reposted from Liam Thorp

The debate around the use of physician associates in the NHS is certain to be debated on this app as it was over in the other place

Last month I published this long read after speaking to Merseyside medics about their concerns

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpo...

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lostdaze.bsky.social•108 days ago

As doctors, we are fearful of the wake of mistakes likely to be made by many MAPs with large gaps in their training vs doctors. Often unaccredited courses, no rigorous exams. Lots of doctor-lite routes to working in doctor roles. Fatal?

@idrsunny.bsky.social
@peterstefanovic.bsky.social

liamthorp.bsky.social•108 days ago

Thanks Barbara

zoewalkerz.bsky.social•108 days ago

I always ask for a fully qualified GP for W after falling foul in the past to the PA set up.

tracydoucet.bsky.social•108 days ago

Terrific recommendation…thank you for all you are doing to raise awareness of PA’s and the risks.

doctorsurf.bsky.social•108 days ago

Thank you a very timely and important piece. I hope the government is listening.

richardglazer.com•108 days ago

The introduction of PAs is something borrowed from the US. Over there, it is very transparent and everyone knows when they are seeing one. They have a role and can be useful with the right experience.

It’s their opaque use here as an obvious cost saving exercise that is frightening and dangerous.

idrsunny.bsky.social•108 days ago

It’s more than that Richard

Starting with the criteria used to recruit them here
The curriculum (it’s essentially a PgDip not a masters - the masters component is a dissertation)
How they are being used to replace doctors
Intentionally being left unregulated for 20 years etc etc

richardglazer.com•108 days ago

Isn’t there also a question of where the liability lies? My understanding is that it’s the GP’s medical indemnity insurance that has to cover PAs decisions as, in theory, the GP signs off on the PAs decisions? Please clarify if I’ve got this wrong.

idrsunny.bsky.social•108 days ago

@megsenmumdr.bsky.social

idrsunny.bsky.social•108 days ago

You make hugely valid points.

That is a real risk yes.

I know someone will answer this - in fact I’ll point a couple of the right people to do so

But I think I just realised I don’t want to talk about the death of the NHS on here

But Richard- you get it - it’s crazy

https://bsky.app/profile/idrsunny.bsky.social/post/3lb7inkmqoc2g

drjofranklin.bsky.social•108 days ago

You have made absolutely amazing contributions to the debate re MAPs, including all your time & effort to chase down facts & info & make those public knowledge, plus attempting to hold people to account. I understand your position & your need for calm. Thanks.

megsenmumdr.bsky.social•108 days ago

It’s NOT clear & MDO’s have been on fence to an extent
They have said any prescriptions you sign off you should be sure as that will be ur responsibility
And pointed to what GMC say about delegation saying u should be sure the HCP u delegate to is competent to do the task

megsenmumdr.bsky.social•108 days ago

So it would probably be decided based on case to case &so far no PAs have been taken to court despite it deaths from their clinical negligence in GP. I think once 1-2 cases go to court we will get more clarity
But GPs do ultimately take liability unless they can show the HCP was personally negligent

megsenmumdr.bsky.social•108 days ago

And guess it depends on who the claimant lawyers decide to sue
For example when a salaried GP makes a mistake which is grossly negligent, the claimants may name both GP & the practice on the court filings. Do GP employers would always carry liability for this I think

brainbomb.bsky.social•107 days ago

It's deffo a worry

martinmckee.bsky.social•108 days ago

Thanks for all you are doing. Just in case, this is our latest

https://www.bmj.com/content/bmj/387/bmj.q2445.full.pdf

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