Independent Review of Physician Associates and Anaesthesia Associates (the Leng review)
To: All Practices, PCNs and Federations
FAO: Physician Associates (PA), Clinical Directors and Employers
Following the publication of NHS England’s response to the recommendations of the Independent Review of Physican Associates and Anaesthesia Associates (The Leng Review), NHS NEL would like to take this opportunity to thank all our PA colleagues for the services they have provided to local population as part of their role in our Primary Care Teams.
PAs joined our primary care workforce in small numbers in 2018; since then the number working across NEL has risen to over 70 WTE.
PAs form a valuable part of the new multidisciplinary workforce in primary care. They provide care and support to patients and their colleagues. The ICB will continue to support this role and the development of multidisciplinary teamwork as we further embed integrated neighbourhood working.
We recognise that NHS England’s letter may cause concern and present challenges for staff, employers and team colleagues. For this reason we will review NHS England’s guidance and engage with our GP leaders and employers over the implications for PA working in their teams and practices.
In the meantime, we would ask employers and PAs to consider the new guidance and act accordingly to implement the changes. We welcome feedback from all on the challenges this presents. This can be provided via the usual escalation routes, Primary Care Development Leads, Community of Practices and Practice Learning Events.