We now have appointments available with a Physician Associate.

What does a Physician Associate do?

Physician associates (PAs) are medically trained, healthcare professionals, who work alongside doctors and other members of the practice team to provide a range of patient care. 

They are able to:

• Take medical histories from patients
• Carry out physical examinations
• See patients for on the day or scheduled appointments
• Manage and treat patients of all ages and make referrals
• Request and interpret diagnostic studies
• Develop and deliver appropriate treatment and management plans
• Run specialist clinics such as family planning, baby checks, long term conditions or minor ops – with extra training
• Provide patient health promotion and disease prevention advice
• Help GPs with some admin tasks

They are trained and qualified to run their own clinical appointments but always work under the supervision of a GP.

Why do we need Physician Associates?

Due to a growing population, the advances in technology, better diagnosis, prevention and treatments, the NHS can sometimes struggle to cope. This is a new role to bring more talent, adding rather than taking away from existing members of the medical workforce and increased access for patient services and care.

Medical appointments

Like other medical staff, physician associates work with their patients to provide the best and most suitable care. They have access to patients’ medical records in case they need to refer to past medical history.

Strict rules of confidentiality are adhered to throughout this practice. 

Qualifications

PAs must pass an intensive 2 -year university course at diploma or masters level to learn clinical knowledge and skills after completing a 3 -year biomedical or healthcare related degree.

They train in hospital and GP practices to gain knowledge, skills and experience about how to look after patients.

The Faculty of Physician Associates is part of the Royal College of Physicians. They set and run the PA national exam, check the education standards and maintain a register of qualified PAs.

PAs are required to show that they are keeping their knowledge and skills up to date and have to rectify every 6 years.