Primary care faces the potential of many years of struggle ahead, with a reduction in numbers of whole-time-equivalent practitioners, rising demand, and an increasingly older patient population. To make matters worse, the RCGP Council has decided that physician associates have no place working on the frontline in general practice and will now issue guidelines to this effect. Will this guidance also encompass other allied professionals working in primary care, given none have been trained to the same levels as a GP?
Quality care with GPs at the centre will only be achieved if there are sufficient resources in place. Allied health professionals have a role in delivering this, and they all require guidance and support if high standards are to be maintained.
Don’t simply jump on the anti-PA bandwagon. Surely the RCGP can do better and recognise the reality of the current situation GPs face?
- © British Journal of General Practice 2024
