DAUK chair Ms Helen Fernandes says it is heartening doctors are ‘standing together’ to protect patient safety following the legal challenge over the regulation of physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs).
Anaesthetists United (AU) has announced it has filed its claim against the GMC in the High Court.
The challenge is regarding the regulation of PAs and AAs by the GMC, which the Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) believes puts patient safety at risk.
DAUK has been an early and consistent supporter of this crucial legal action, and contributed £30,000 to AU’s crowdfunding efforts.
AU has received financial support from medical professionals and the public, and last week the British Medical Association (BMA) agreed to provide indemnity support for the case.
It has also received the support of the parents of Emily Chesterton, Marion and Brendon. Emily was aged 30 when she died after two appointments with a PA she believed was a GP.
Legal challenge
Ms Fernandes said: “It’s heartening to see doctors from all specialities standing together to support this legal challenge.
“We thank AU for taking on this vital action and everyone who has contributed towards funding it.
“It’s clear that doctors feel very strongly about the regulation of PAs and AAs by the GMC and the blurring of lines which is putting patients at risk.
“It’s really quite incredible the GMC is being taken to court by doctors over concerns it is not regulating strongly enough and is encouraging the blurring of those lines.”
For more information on how to support the legal challenge, please visit the Anaesthetists United website.
Become a member of DAUK and support our work.
Meanwhile, GMC chief executive Charlie Massey has issued an update on its preparation for the regulation of PAs and AAs.
