A legal challenge is set to take place at the Royal Courts of Justice regarding the tragic death of Emily Chesterton, which has led to mounting concerns about the role of physician associates (PA) in the NHS. The case has been brought forth by retired teachers Brendan and Marion Chesterton following their daughter’s passing in 2022, after a blood clot was overlooked during two appointments with a PA. Alongside Anaesthetics United, the Chestertons are seeking greater clarity from the GMC regarding the scope of the PA role in an effort to enhance patient safety amid escalating worries about the deployment of PAs and anaesthetic associates (AA) in healthcare settings. The GMC recently assumed responsibility for regulating physician associates and anaesthetic associates last December.
Physician associates and anaesthetic associates have been operating within the NHS since 2003, with over 5,000 currently employed. Both PAs and AAs undergo a part-funded two-year master’s degree to qualify, typically requiring an undergraduate degree in bioscience, although it is not always mandatory. They are responsible for tasks such as taking medical histories, performing physical examinations, and devising treatment plans. However, they are not permitted to prescribe medications or order radiation-based scans like X-rays or CT scans without the guidance of a senior doctor. The effort to regulate PAs and AAs was intended to ensure that they possess the necessary education, training, and accountability, as highlighted by GMC’s chief executive, Charlie Massey.
The heart-wrenching story of Emily Chesterton’s demise after a misdiagnosis by a physician associate, mistaking a blood clot for a calf sprain, has sparked a push for clearer regulations and accountability within the healthcare sector. The Chesterton family is determined to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future. While government legislation has stipulated that GMC registration will be mandatory for PAs and AAs by December 2026, the current debates surrounding the responsibilities and limitations of these roles have prompted an independent review of the PA and AA professions. The regulation of these healthcare professionals aims to ensure patient safety and professional standards moving forward.
In the wake of Emily Chesterton’s untimely death, her family is calling for greater recognition of the GMC’s responsibility in overseeing and defining the role of physician associates. The need for a structured scope of practice with clearly defined supervision guidelines to uphold patient safety is paramount in preventing similar tragedies. Although the focus remains on the Chesterton family’s loss, their advocacy is driving discussions around regulatory oversight and the continuous improvement of healthcare practices. The quest for accountability and clarity within the healthcare landscape is ongoing, with hopes for a more transparent and structured approach to the roles of physician associates and anaesthetic associates in the future
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