PAs are healthcare professionals with a generalist medical education, who work alongside a dedicated medical supervisor. PAs provide continuity of care for patients and relieve pressure on services.  

They are trained using the medical model, to take histories, perform physical examinations, undertake clinical procedures, interpret investigations, and develop management plans, under the supervision of a senior doctor.  

With funding support from Health Education England, ELFT employed me as the PA ambassador/PA Lead for the trust in 2021. Since then, the trust has supported the employment of PAs across a range of services.  

ELFT’s first cohort of five PAs started in February 2023, working across Forensic Services, Learning Difficulty Services, CAMHS inpatient ward and ADHD Services. With further posts recruited to CAMHS Eating Disorder services, Child Development Services and Memory Services in the latter half of the year.