Wider use of physician associates will increase inequality, say UK doctors

Posters in Bradford, West Yorkshire, referring to physician associates as ‘The Physician’ were removed by the NHS after doctors said they were ‘dangerous’. Photograph: Poster

Doctors are warning the UK medical regulator that wider use of physician associates in the NHS may risk patient safety and lead to greater inequalities in care in deprived areas that struggle to recruit GPs.

The government’s plan to recruit 10,000 physician associates – healthcare professionals supervised by doctors – has angered many clinicians who consider the roles ill-defined and a potential threat to patient safety.