The role of physician associates is ‘misleading’ to the public as they are not qualified doctors, a coroner has warned.
Dr Karen Henderson issued her alert after the death of Pamela Marking, 77, whose family were under the impression she had been seen by a doctor and not a physician associate (PA) with far less training.
Ms Marking, who died last February, had been suffering from severe abdominal problems but was diagnosed as having suffered a nosebleed by a PA.
Dr Kennedy said the unfettered use of PAs – NHS workers with two years’ training but no medical degree – may lead to more deaths. She added: ‘This blurring of roles without public knowledge and understanding of the role of a physician associate has the potential to devalue and undermine public confidence in the medical profession.’
A coroner has warned the role of physician associates is ‘misleading’ to the public (file image)
Physician Associates (PAs) are NHS workers with two years’ training but no medical degree (file image)
An inquest in December heard Ms Marking was at first discharged without a ‘medical review or direct medical supervision’.
She had to be re-admitted to East Surrey Hospital two days later with ‘grossly dilated small bowel obstruction’. Ms Marking underwent surgery but died within 48 hours following issues with her anaesthetic. Dr Henderson, Surrey Assistant Coroner, said these events ‘materially contributed to her death’.
She has now written to NHS England, the Government and medical bodies warning that there is a lack of ‘public understanding’ about the role of PAs.
