The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) held an additional Council meeting on 25 October to discuss physician associates. The meeting was organised in response to a request by letter from RCP fellows received earlier this month.
The RCP recognises that there are a range of views within the membership and the medical community more widely about the physician associate profession. We also recognise the negative toll these ongoing discussions are having on some trainee doctors and PAs in their day to day lives. The meeting was an opportunity for Council members to discuss the themes outlined in the letter including regulation, patient safety, supervision, titles and implications for professional jurisdiction.
A well supported and well-resourced workforce is central to good patient care. As host of the Faculty of Physician Associates, the RCP has stated there is a role for PAs within the multidisciplinary team but that they are not a replacement for doctors, their scope of practice needs clear definition and that doctors in training should not be negatively impacted by their employment – points echoed by the GMC in a letter to NHS England now made public.
The RCP will now respond in more detail on behalf of Council to the fellows who coordinated the letter.