For the past two years, Physician Associates (PAs) and Anaesthesia Associates (AAs) have been the targets of a malicious, coordinated campaign of attack from the BMA and DoctorsVote. We have weathered a torrent of online abuse, bullying in the workplace, and been the subject of a coordinated media smear campaign of misinformation and propaganda.
We have faced this unprecedented and shocking abuse without any support or genuine acknowledgement from those in positions of power within the NHS, Central Government, or the devolved nations, who have referred to this one-sided hate campaign as a ‘debate’. It should be considered a national scandal that medical organisations representing a supposedly caring profession have been allowed to behave in such a manner towards MAPs and now, towards the wider MDT.
Medical Associate Professionals (MAPs) have been discriminated against for far too long, but it has come to our attention that our ACP (Advanced Clinical Practitioner) colleagues are also now being targeted by the antiMAP contingent for undue criticism, and abuse.
Unfortunately, we are not surprised by this turn of events. We had always known – and warned – that the anti-MAP agenda also included targeting other professional groups that they consider to be ‘Alphabet Soup’. This includes PAs, AAs, SCPs, ACPs, and NPs.
It appears that, since PAs and AAs now have representation and a strong, unwavering voice in UMAPs, the anti-MAP movement are now beginning the second phase of their relentless campaign to “rid” the NHS of advanced practice healthcare providers. It is of course the same tried and tested rhetoric that they utilised with MAPs; questioning ACPs’ qualifications and credentials, demanding a revised Scope of Practice, and casting doubt on their efficacy and safety. It should be construed as nothing more than a desperate attempt to re-establish the old, out-dated medical hierarchy.
It is a bold move from an organisation that is now causing senior medical figures to question their legitimacy and inciting previously loyal, moderate members to abandon supporting their cause all together. It is a behaviour that cannot be allowed to go unchecked any longer.
Every day across the UK, PAs, AAs, ACPs, and NPs provide safe, evidence-based care to thousands of patients in both Primary and Secondary Care settings. Their vital contribution to the NHS cannot be questioned, and in an ailing healthcare system that is suffering from understaffing and chronic underfunding, their presence ensures that patients can access care from experienced, educated, medical, nursing, and allied health professionals.
We strongly believe that each member of the multi-disciplinary team should be appreciated and valued for their contribution to patient care, regardless of their job title and the perceived threat felt by some medical organisations. We will not stand by and watch yet another NHS staff group fall victim to bullying, and we will continue to lead on advocating for both the MDT, and our patients’ best interests.
UMAPs stands in solidarity with our ACP colleagues, and we look forward to continuing to promote and nurture a positive, supportive relationship with our fellow NHS staff members.
