Hundreds of physician associates are taking legal action against GP surgeries, claiming they’ve been unfairly pushed out of their jobs due to a “bullying campaign” by top medical groups amid growing tensions over their role in healthcare
Hundreds of physician associates (PAs) are to take legal action against GP surgeries across the country claiming they have been hounded out of their jobs due to a “national bullying campaign” led by the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).
The row centres around GP surgeries following “scope and practice” guidelines set out by the two groups, which United Medical Professionals Associates (UMAPs), the trade union representing PAs, alleges has led to them being discriminated against.
The law firm representing the physician associates claimed that “more than 100” have lost their jobs or been treated unfairly and that a total of nearly 300 have been “potentially affected”, with 80 per cent of them women.
The legal battle is the latest chapter in an increasingly bitter row between associates and influential sections of the medical community. Their role has come under particular scrutiny in recent years.
Doctors, PA and AAs are now overseen by the General Medical Council (GMC). Doctors have claimed having the GMC oversee all three “blurs the lines” of their roles with fears PAs have replaced doctors when treating patients. Questions have been raised over their training which is in contrast to the five years it takes doctors to qualify and the additional ten years it takes to specialise.
The BMA said it was not aware of any legal claims being brought against the union by PAs, nor of the BMA being named as an interested party in any.
The RCGP said it would be inappropriate to comment on a legal issue. A spokesperson said: “However, recognising there are around 2,000 PAs already working in general practice we developed guidance on induction and preceptorship, supervision and scope of practice, aiming to support GP practices and current employers of PAs in prioritising patient safety.
“This guidance is advisory and we have always been clear that it is for employers to decide whether to follow our guidance and that it is their responsibility to ensure the appropriate treatment and handling of existing PA contracts. The RCGP is strongly committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and this is key to our values as an organisation.”
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