Thread by @JoOgidi

I'd rather not but it can't be helped. #medtwitter #PhysicianAssociate

FWIW, PAs are not the enemy. Worth repeating. For the record, the PA role was not developed so doctors can get to clinics, theatres, meet training requirements, etc. The NHS Plan 2000 report recognised 1/

the shortage of human rather than financial resources was the biggest constraint the NHS faced to modernisation and meeting it's needs. The role was developed to 'enhance the capacity of the healthcare workforce to meet the growing demand for healthcare services in UK' 2/

The level of responsibility, scope of practice and what this could look like day to day is further expanded in the curriculum and competency framework. This has evolved no doubt. 3/

The nature of the role has certainly facilitated and helped alleviate some of the pressures on doctors as PAs can take on some of the duties traditionally performed by doctors. Hence doctors are able to get to clinics, theatres, meet training requirements, etc. 4/

No doubt there are genuine questions to be asked about the role implementation in specific contexts and departments. Majority of PAs are happy to tackle this. Where PAs are supported appropriately with clear governance policies, they enhance the workforce + patient care. 5/

To an extent, I understand the reason for some of the frustrations from doctors about PAs but some of the rhetoric is ridiculous. PAs are certainly not the reason for poor doctor pay and working conditions.
PAs are not the reason for training bottlenecks, or doctors not 6/

getting training numbers. PAs are not the reason for doctors rotation and uprooting their lives across the countries. PAs are not the reason doctors are not getting into clinics or theatres or learning procedures. Majority of these issues have long existed before PAs. 7/

These issues currently exist in hospitals/depts where PAs are not employed.

Drs/BMA are certainly welcomed to lobby whomever they wish to. I certainly encourage it and welcome appropriate scrutiny. That's how we evlove as a profession. 8/

Nothing about the role is hidden. Appropriate consultations as required have always been carried out.
The regulation consultation is currently open, make your voice heard.
PAs are not the enemy and this frustrating and negative energy is being directed in the wrong direction 9/9