Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party) on Monday, 24 November 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 December 2025. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Monday, 8 December 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Primary Care: Physician Associates

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Physician Associate/Assistant Preceptorship Programme for primary care is open to newly qualified physician associates.

Answer

Following the publication of the Leng Review recommendations on 16 July 2025, NHS England has updated the eligibility criteria for the preceptorship in primary care for physician assistants (PAs), which are still legally known as physician associates.

In line with the recommendation that newly qualified PAs should gain at least two years of experience in secondary care, the scheme is only open to qualified PAs already employed in primary care, as of 16 July 2025, who have not undertaken a PA preceptorship.

NHS England has published a frequently asked questions document, a copy of which is attached, to provide further information and guidance on the implementation of The Leng Review. This confirms that the scheme will be honoured and continue for those employers and PAs currently participating in the programme this financial year.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL12227
Session
2024-26
Attachment
Additional document 1
Subjects
Primary care Physician assistants
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk