A legal challenge over the regulation of physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) ‘is everybody’s struggle’, campaigners say as a fresh appeal for financial support is launched.
The challenge by Anaesthetists United addresses critical issues surrounding the regulation of PAs and AAs, including the GMC’s failure to set scope of practice or levels of supervision, or to empower anyone else to do it.
The group has raised £117,000 so far, but needs £200,000 to get the next stage and may need more after that.
The Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) has given its support for Anaesthetists United including a £30,000 contribution to their crowdfunding efforts.
Now Anaesthetists United and DAUK are renewing their calls for doctors to donate to the legal challenge.
Public interest
Dr Richard Marks, co-founder of Anaesthetists United, said: “There is a compelling public interest for the High Court to decide what protection the public can expect from the GMC as the regulator of AAs and PAs, but we have to raise the funds to make that happen.
“This is everybody’s struggle. All of us that work in healthcare and and all of those that receive care have a stake in this.
“We’re immensely grateful to those who have donated, but we’re struggling to raise the money.
“If every consultant and SAS doctor gave us £100 we’d be well on the way to funding our action.
“Our case is strong, please help us protect the standards of UK medicine.”
The families of two patients who died following care from PAs have given their support to the legal challenge.
Patient safety
Ms Helen Fernandes, DAUK chair, said: “It is very brave of those personally affected and very telling that they are joining this legal challenge.
“This is not about PAs and AAs as individuals but it’s about patient safety.
“PAs and AAs are not doctors and there is widespread concern they are undertaking work beyond their training, experience, and competence, putting patients at risk.
“This is a vitally important legal challenge and even the smallest donation will really help.
“We are also asking the royal colleges to support this, and we would encourage you to speak to your college to ask it to back the action.”
For more information on how to support, please visit the Anaesthetists United website.
Support the work of DAUK by signing up as a member.
