The BMA is considering its next steps after what it called a “disappointing” ruling from the High Court over its case against the GMC for blurring the lines between doctors and physician associates (PAs). 

Professor Phil Banfield, chair of BMA council, said: 

“This is a disappointing ruling from the High Court. Physician associates do not study medicine and are trained to a very different standard to doctors. By labelling both doctors and PAs as ‘medical professionals’ the public are being misled to think they are similarly or equally qualified. They are not. Having ruled on the legal technicalities the Court has ignored common sense, and the effect will be to perpetuate the patient safety issues caused by this confusion.

“The potential for patient harm in equating the two roles has been shown in the testimony of doctors recently published by the BMA, which includes hundreds of examples of patients put at risk or harmed. This has been recognised by an increasing number of coroners urging the GMC to clearly differentiate between doctors and physician associates following avoidable patient deaths. The danger is even acknowledged by the Health Secretary who agrees that the concerns of patients and doctors have been ignored for too long, concerns which must be properly addressed by the Leng Review due to report later this Spring.            

“During the hearing the GMC was at pains to stress that it had no enforceable statutory duty to protect patient safety: a terrible statement from the medical regulator, though in keeping with its determination to ignore the blaring alarm bells sounded by doctors, coroners and patients. 

“As doctors, however, we do have a duty to uphold patient safety and to speak out when it is compromised. The BMA is considering its next steps in relation to this regrettable ruling.” 

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.