It follows a debate in the House of Lords on the Leng review into PAs and anaesthesia associates (AAs).
The debate was secured by Green Party peer Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle. She asked the Government what the review will cover, and what actions it plans to take in advance of the outcome.
Dr Kneale, DAUK committee member and former co-chair, was mentioned in the debate. Afterwards he commented on the proceedings on social media.
Safety concerns
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: “Thank you Baroness Keeley of Worsley and Baroness Bennett for bringing medical profession and the public’s concerns to this debate.”
DAUK has welcomed the review but called for it to be open and thorough, with patient safety at its core.
He said speaking out had brought about the review. DAUK has been working with medical organisations, politicians and the media to highlight to the public the rollout of physician associates.
“With most healthcare interventions, you establish risk before rollout, and certainly before extending the rollout after concerns have been raised,” he said.
Dr Kneale expressed concerns that supervision of PAs and AAs has been inadequate, as well as concerns about national standards and consistency in competence.
“The only framework we have is a university qualification with, in some cases, a 100 per cent pass rate,” he said.
Physician associates
He also expressed concern that PAs are replacing doctors on rotas, and questioned whether they could ‘safely diagnose without the same training’.
“It’s clear many doctors share significant concerns,” he said. “At the Royal College of Physicians EGM, motions highlighting these issues were backed by more than 90 per cent of consultants. Those supervising PAs. This is not a fringe view.”
He added: “We need transparency and honesty when discussing the scope, competence, and limits of PAs. Without this, I have little faith in the upcoming review.”
Watch the House of Lords debate on the review of physician associate and anaesthesia associate roles. This video is available for the next 11 months and requires a TV licence to watch it.
Support our work by becoming a member or donating to our Go Fund Me.
