FPA response to RCGP change of position on physician associates working in general practice

On 20 September 2024, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) governing UK Council voted to oppose a role for physician associates (PAs) working in general practice.

Responding to the announcement, FPA president Andy Jones, supported by the FPA leadership team said:

‘We are saddened by the result of this RCGP Council vote and we regret that the BMA's General Practitioners Committee for the UK (GPC UK) has also recently voted in favour of stopping hiring PAs in general practice, and for existing roles to be phased out.

‘We have met with the RCGP to discuss this evolving situation and made it clear that this is affecting the ability of qualified PAs to care for patients. We have also called on the UK government to commission an independent review of the role of PAs to inform the development of professional and clinical guidance, including scope of practice.

‘These decisions are already having a very real impact on the lives of many PAs working in the NHS. We are already hearing that some PAs are being made redundant or having their roles significantly reduced or curtailed.

‘We want to thank the 31% of RCGP Council members who voted to support a role for PAs in general practice. Many doctors value the role played by PAs in the multidisciplinary team, with our hard work and expertise supporting high-quality patient care across the NHS.

Please contact the FPA if you have been affected by this news. There is strength in numbers, and the more we know about the impact on you, the more we can do as your professional body to advocate for you, support each other and drive change on your behalf.

Further resources

If you are worried, anxious or struggling with your mental health, please reach out to your employer or contact NHS support services in England,  colleague health and wellbeing services in Wales, the national wellbeing hub in Scotland or staff health and wellbeing services in Northern Ireland. 

If you are concerned about how your role might change, please talk to your clinical supervisor, wider team and surgery partners. Core role requirements for PAs in England are set out in appendix B, section 6.2 of the Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service Contract specification 2024/25 – Primary Care Network requirements and entitlements (26 September 2024). You can also contact your indemnifier for legal advice on your employment contract. 

You can access support from ACAS through their helpline or contact the FPA for advice at:

• England: [email protected]
• Wales: [email protected]
• Northern Ireland: [email protected]
• Scotland: [email protected]