Safer Medical Allied Professions

DAUK’s Campaign on Medical Allied Professions (MAPs)

DAUK firmly opposes the Government’s plans for physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) to be regulated by the General Medical Council (GMC). We are deeply concerned about the oversight of PA postgraduate qualifications, training, and scope of practice, as well as issues relating to fitness to practise and supervision. While we recognise the need for regulation, we believe the GMC is not the appropriate body to oversee this process. GMC regulation risks blurring the lines between doctors and non-doctors, confusing the public, and compromising patient safety.

PAs are not a substitute for doctors, who undergo extensive years of study, training, and acquire high levels of skill essential for patient care. This must be reflected in fair pay and scope of practice. Alarmingly, newly qualified PAs currently earn £11,000 more per year—or 35 percent more—than newly qualified doctors (as of September 2024). There is evidence that PAs are increasingly replacing doctors on hospital rotas, and in general practice, they have been performing duties traditionally reserved for GPs.

DAUK’s Impact and Efforts

DAUK has been a driving force in highlighting concerns over the role and regulation of Medical Allied Professions (MAPs) in the NHS. In 2023, following the tragic death of Emily Chesterton due to a misdiagnosis by a PA in primary care, DAUK launched a comprehensive data collection initiative. We asked doctors to submit evidence of safety issues involving MAPs, receiving nearly 1,000 responses. This data enabled us to conduct extensive investigations through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and direct communication, identifying critical risk areas across the NHS. We collaborated closely with press contacts, providing a platform for patients and families to voice their concerns, notably through _The Telegraph_.

We led the charge in pushing for changes to the identifying numbers used for PAs in the future GMC register, which the GMC acted upon. Additionally, DAUK initiated early discussions with the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) of London and other Fellows of the College, highlighting safety concerns and issues surrounding the scope of practice. This advocacy was pivotal in prompting one of only three Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs) in the RCP’s 500-year history.

DAUK has consistently opposed the GMC’s regulation of MAPs, lobbying Parliament before the implementation of the Statutory Instrument framework. We maintain that Parliament acted on incomplete and inaccurate information, and we continue to campaign on this issue.

As supporters of Anaesthetists United, DAUK has backed their campaign against the GMC’s refusal to set clear standards for PAs and anaesthesia associates (AAs). We led the way by donating £30,000 to their legal challenge, which prompted critical financial support from other organisations, including the BMA.

In 2024, after the GMC refused to release public consultation data, DAUK spearheaded a campaign encouraging hundreds of doctors and members of the public to request their consultation submissions via Subject Access Requests. Hundreds of these requests were sent, showcasing the strength of support for transparency.

Our Ongoing Campaign

We are actively campaigning for a pause in the expansion of PA and AA roles until serious questions about their training, scope of practice, regulation, and pay disparities are thoroughly addressed. DAUK remains committed to safeguarding patient safety and advocating for the highest standards of care within the NHS.