Statement: Physician Associates at RCHT

“A Freedom of Information from the Royal Cornwall Hospitals about the number of shifts covered by physician associates represented the total number of shifts worked by physician associates over a 6-month period, not a number of shifts where physician associates were covering medical staff.

“Our physician associates are highly skilled and qualified experts in their specialist area and like every member of our staff, play an essential role in providing safe and timely care to our patients. Working within professional and legislative guidelines, they play an important part in reducing waiting lists and supporting emergency care and are a valued part of our RCHT team. 

“We understand the interest and scrutiny around the role of the physician associates nationally, however we are disappointed in the personal attacks and negativity towards our staff that we have seen on social media platforms. We expect the rights of our staff to do their work free from discrimination, harassment and bullying to be respected.”