This dedicated site hosts information to update the progression of the current Scottish Government Commission with NES regarding Medical Associate Professions (MAPs). It is aimed at healthcare professionals, workforce planners, those interested in a career in healthcare in Scotland, in the field of healthcare education.
Medically trained, generalist healthcare professionals, who work alongside doctors and provide medical care as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team. Physician Associates are dependent practitioners working with a dedicated medical supervisor but are able to work autonomously with appropriate support. (Faculty of Physician Associates)
Anaesthesia Associates are highly trained, skilled practitioners that work within an anaesthetic team under the direction and supervision of a Consultant Anaesthetist. (Royal College of Anaesthetists)
Registered non-medical healthcare professionals who have extended the scope of their practice by completing an accredited training programme. They work as members of the surgical team and perform surgical interventions and pre-operative and post-operative care under the supervision of a senior surgeon. (Royal College of Surgeons of England)
MAP roles support NHS Scotland Boards to deliver flexible and resilient workforce plans. They will contribute to the increased clinical capacity required by the NHS Recovery Plan published in August 2021 by enabling the right workforce in place at the right time. Below are some examples of how these roles are deployed.
Faculty of Physician Associates - quality health care across the NHS (fparcp.co.uk)
Anaesthesia Associates | The Royal College of Anaesthetists (rcoa.ac.uk)
Surgical Care Practitioner — Royal College of Surgeons (rcseng.ac.uk) Faculty of Perioperative Care - Royal College of Surgeons rcsed.ac.uk
Advanced Critical Care Practitioners (ACCPs) were initially included in the Scottish Government MAPs Commission, however following agreement by Health Education England (now NHS England Workforce, Training & Education (NHSE WTE) and Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM), ACCPs now align with the Centre for Advancing Practice HEE and FICM joint statement. Information on ACCP careers
NES highlights this important day, heralding statutory regulation of Physician Associates and Anaesthesia Associates.
To find out more, please visit GMC regulation of physician associates and anaesthesia associates begins on 13th December 2024.
GMC has published guidance on preparation, find out more at Regulation of PAs and AAs - preparation
Read about the introduction of PA Teaching Fellows and the added value of this role in clinical skills teaching: Link to Sway
The General Medical Council (GMC) has published the results of its consultation on the rules, standards and guidance by which it will regulate physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs).
For full details please visit GMC publishes PA and AA consultation report
The NES Medical Associate Professions commission report submitted to Scottish Government is now available to read.
For ease a shortened version showing the executive summary and recommendations is available.
This dedicated news page will share progress of the Scottish Government Commission’s development including opportunities to engage. Please get in touch with us for further information and involvement at: nes.maps@nhs.scot