Emily Chesterton, who was just 30 when she died last year after a physician associate failed to spot a blood clot, instead mistaking the deadly problem for 'anxiety'.
The Government wants to recruit 10,000 physician associates by 2038GP chiefs are calling for a crackdown on physician associates in the NHS after a series of life-threatening misdiagnoses, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Norman Jopling, 79 from North London, suffered a serious brain bleed after a PA mistakenly told him that his painful headaches were nothing to worry about. His wife Maureen, right, accused the NHS of 'trying to cut corners' by allowing PAs to carry out 'complicated tasks they're not qualified to perform'
A third said that her husband was prescribed antibiotics for a suspected chest infection by a PA. A week later a GP diagnosed him with severe lung disease and also sent him for hospital tests which revealed prostate cancer. Norman began experiencing headaches in February, according to his wife Maureen. 'He said it was like waves of pain that would come and go throughout the day, and he thought it might be a trapped nerve,' she adds.
Then, in August, Maureen woke one morning to find her husband disorientated and in unbearable pain. She called 111 and was advised to take him to A&E immediately. A scan showed Norman had suffered a brain bleed – a subdural haematoma – and he was rushed into surgery. PAs are not new to the NHS. First introduced two decades ago, they are permitted to take medical histories, perform physical examinations and analyse test results, all under the supervision of a doctor. They can also fill out forms and complete the basic checks which can otherwise clog up doctors' workloads.
The reason behind this move is clear: a serious lack of doctors. The NHS needs another 46,000 hospital doctors and 17,000 GPs, the British Medical Association says. 'This means a GP must always be nearby and on hand to approve investigations, and if the PA suggests medication which would require a prescription, these would need to be discussed,' says Prof Dame Clare Gerada. She adds: 'Cases dealt with by the PA should be reviewed by the supervisor at the end of every day, though not all cases need to be discussed in detail. PAs should be supervised, but in reality it's difficult for GPs to actually do this.
READ MORE: Woman, 30, dies after physician associate misses blood clot Advertisement One such tragic case was that of Emily Chesterton, who was just 30 when she died last year after a PA failed to spot a blood clot. Last week, guidance published by the Faculty of Physician Associates said that PAs must clearly explain to patients that they 'work alongside the doctors' and are not a 'registered doctor, nurse or other professionally protected role'.
Concerns over the use of physician associates is not limited to GP surgeries. The NHS is set to hire about 2,000 anaesthesia associates by 2037 who would administer sedative drugs to patients before surgery under the supervision of a consultant anaesthetist.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Tragedy of young mum found dead by daughter, 3, who tried to wake her upNHS nurse Laura Whittingham died in her sleep despite everything being 'normal' the night before
Consulte Mais informação »
X Factor star Ray Quinn marries fiancée Emily in lavish castle weddingThe couple tied the knot surrounded by 70 of their nearest and dearest.
Consulte Mais informação »
Peter Andre's swanky Surrey home to raise new baby with wife EmilyPeter Andre and his wife Emily are set to welcome a third child together
Consulte Mais informação »
Captain Tom's family received death threats and hate mailThe family of the NHS charities fundraiser tells TalkTV of an 'underbelly of hate' they endure.
Consulte Mais informação »
Emily Ratajkowski Takes An Unexpected Approach To Jumper WeatherForget the preppy over-the-shoulder or the sporty crossbody tie — EmRata has a new way to style knitwear this autumn.
Consulte Mais informação »
Shoppers praise £28 blanket for helping them sleep 'better than ever'Some even say the blanket should be available on NHS for those with autism and ADHD
Consulte Mais informação »