Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to consult with stakeholders before implementing changes to the (a) role and (b) title of Physician Associates.

The Leng Review’s recommendations are far reaching and require cross-system partnership working to be considered, planned, and delivered effectively.

The Department, alongside NHS England, royal colleges, and other stakeholders including representatives of doctors, physician assistants, and physician assistants in anaesthesia, will develop a detailed implementation plan to address the review’s 18 recommendations. Further information on implementation will be set out in due course.

The Government intends to commence consultation on a modernised legislative framework for the General Medical Council by the end of this year. These proposals will include the change in role titles. Subject to parliamentary time, our expectation is that these changes will be put before the Westminster and Scottish Parliaments during 2026.