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FOI Data: 41 of 85 UK NHS Trusts Employ Advanced Practitioners in Doctor Roles
New research from freedom of information requests reveals that 41 out of responding UK hospital Trusts and Boards are using non-doctors, known as Advanced Practitioners, to plug gaps in doctors' rotas. The British Medical Association highlighted patient safety concerns through statements from its council chair.
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GB News reported that new research shows almost half of NHS hospital Trusts are using non-doctors to fill doctors’ roles. Freedom of information requests were sent to hospital Trusts and Boards across the UK, with 41 responding yes when asked if Advanced Practitioners were being used to plug gaps, compared to 44 who said no.
Advanced Practitioners are sometimes known as physician associates or specialist clinicians and come from backgrounds including nursing, paramedics, and pharmacy.
Dr Tom Dolphin, chair of BMA council, stated: “Our colleagues in advanced practice roles are valued members of our multidisciplinary teams. Dr Dolphin further said: “What is especially concerning is just how slapdash the NHS’s approach is. Many employers have clearly and sensibly told us they would not put a non-doctor into the role of a doctor.
Others have unashamedly responded that they have done exactly that. Emily Chesterton, aged 30 and living in London, died after a misdiagnosis by a physician associate at a GP practice in north London in October 2022. She was repeatedly told her calf pain was a sprain when she actually had a blood clot, and she was not referred for further tests.
GB News reported that coroners have issued Prevention of Future Deaths reports highlighting cases where non-doctor clinicians did not properly assess deteriorating patients. An NHS England spokesman stated: “NHS guidance is clear - advanced practitioners are highly skilled practitioners and are valued members of NHS teams alongside doctors.
A spokesman for the Royal College of Nursing said: “Advanced nursing practice is highly-skilled, delivered by expert registered nurses and is underpinned by a master's level education and a comprehensive range of knowledge, skills and capabilities. These nurses are central to the delivery of safe and effective care across many services. They are not substitutes for other professions.
