7 hours Ago
Patients are 'misled over physician associates' as they are not qualified doctors, coroner warns By ANDY DOLAN Published: 00:01, 28 February 2025 | Updated: 00:01, 28 February 2025 e-mail View comments The role of physician associates is ‘misleading’ to the public as they are not qualified doctors, a coroner has warned. Dr Karen Henderson issued her alert after the death of Pamela Marking, 77, whose family were under the impression she had been seen by a doctor and not a physician associate (PA) with far less training. Ms Marking, who died last February, had been suffering from severe abdominal problems but was diagnosed as having suffered a nosebleed by a PA.
A coroner has warned the role of physician associates is ‘misleading’ to the public (file image) Physician Associates (PAs) are NHS workers with two years’ training but no medical degree (file image) Dr Kennedy said the unfettered use of PAs – NHS workers with two years’ training but no medical degree – may lead to more deaths. She added: ‘This blurring of roles without public knowledge and understanding of the role of a physician associate has the potential to devalue and undermine public confidence in the medical profession.’ An inquest in December heard Ms Marking was at first discharged without a ‘medical review or direct medical supervision’.
She had to be re-admitted to East Surrey Hospital two days later with ‘grossly dilated small bowel obstruction’. Ms Marking underwent surgery but died within 48 hours following issues with her anaesthetic. Dr Henderson, Surrey Assistant Coroner, said these events ‘materially contributed to her death’.
She has now written to NHS England, the Government and medical bodies warning that there is a lack of ‘public understanding’ about the role of PAs. NHS Share or comment on this article: Patients are 'misled over physician associates' as they are not qualified doctors, coroner warns e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
Add your comment Enter your comment By posting your comment you agree to our house rules . Submit Comment Clear Close Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. No Yes Close Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline.
To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook.
Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy ..
