The Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) has reaffirmed its support for Anaesthetists United (AU) as it launches an appeal in its high-profile court case.
AU has applied for permission to appeal the recent High Court ruling on its legal challenge over the GMC’s regulation of physician assistants (PAs) and physician assistants in anaesthesia (PAAs).
The appeal has been brought with 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.
Physician assistants
It challenges the GMC’s decision not to set out a defined scope of practice for PAs and PAAs.
AU is still short of funds and is asking for support to continue its appeal.
DAUK has been an early and consistent supporter of this crucial legal action, and contributed £30,000 to AU’s crowdfunding efforts.
Our co-chair Dr Matt Kneale said the appeal represented an important step in ensuring patient safety.
Scope of practice
Dr Kneale said: “Questions around their regulation, scope of practice, supervision, and ultimately patient safety need to be answered.
“Patients deserve to know exactly who is treating them, what their role is, and what their qualifications are.
“Without a nationally defined scope of practice, the lines between doctors and non-doctors are blurred.
“There is real danger that PAs and PAAs could be asked to work beyond their training.
Protecting patients
“This appeal is about protecting patients and safeguarding professional standards, and it has our full support.”
AU has applied to the judge for permission to appeal the ruling. The appeal is to Mrs Justice Lambert, who heard the original case.
If the appeal be rejected, AU can make a submission to the Court of Appeal.
For more information on how to support this crucial legal challenge, please visit the Anaesthetists United donations page.
