The NHS has always relied on multidisciplinary teams, but those teams are evolving. Rising demand, an ageing population, and ongoing workforce shortages have led to the expansion of roles designed to support doctors and improve access to care.
Having read the article and having family members employed in healthcare, I should like to, permanently, register never to be seen by a PA as I believe they represent a dangerous dilution of the healthcare in the UK. In addition, the fact that PA’s are actually paid MORE than GPs is an affront to common sense and the sooner this ‘cheap doctor’ role is abolished the better for patients, GPs, and the NHS.
Primary care is under a lot of pressure from increasing demand and expectations from patients and need to use practitioners in order to meet the demand. Doctors in primary are of different levels and experience and patients generally unaware of this.
PA’s along with ANP’s and UCP’s are a valuable resource within healthcare systems and well supported bring another layer of support for a stretched healthcare system often offering patients longer consultations than they get with Doctors.
I think we need to appreciate anyone that works for the patients benefit within healthcare systems and be grateful for their care