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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Physicians Associates

110 replies

DevilsKitchen · 24/04/2026 14:48

I’ve just been prescribed something by a PA that is not recommended in pregnancy due to the risk of deafness and cleft palate.

I am only by virtue of being an inherently distrusting person that I am not now taking this. I mentioned I was pregnant and the PA said “oh yeah I’m pretty sure it’s fine” which to me is not good enough so I checked with the pharmacist who told me categorically no and go and ask for something else.

My colleague also had a bad experience with a PA when her daughter was prescribed something inappropriate for her specific condition.

And it’s no wonder is it? It’s two years training at masters level which is obviously nowhere near enough. It was a nice idea to try and reduce the waiting list and I don’t even think it’s their fault because they are doing their best but AIBU to say it’s time this experiment was ended?

I would like to say my surgery has dealt with it really well and I am now booked in to see an actual GP.

OP posts:
bringmelaughter · 24/04/2026 15:06

As other people have already said, PAs can’t prescribe so you have a GP issue here. As you seem to be adamant that this mistake means that the PA role doesn’t work and should go, does that mean that a mistake like this means that GP roles don’t work and should go?

A single clinical error does not mean a whole profession doesn’t work. That’s even if there was an error here. We do sometimes prescribe medications that aren’t routinely used in pregnancy but we may do so on a risk benefit basis in partnership with the person.

Dimms · 24/04/2026 15:03

I didn’t know they couldn’t prescribe. It’s seems you are a little muddled up, OP.

PatNoodle · 24/04/2026 15:02

As others have said, how did this happen when they aren't allowed to prescribe anything? They can only make suggestions which a GP then has to approve and prescribe or decline it

Brickiscool · 24/04/2026 14:59

It didn't happen! physician associates aren't allowed to prescribe ! They can send a recommendation to the doctor and then the fully qualified doctor prescribes.

Anonymouse27 · 24/04/2026 14:59

My DP had a terrible experience with a PA (who introduced herself as "a medic" and did not correct him when he repeatedly addressed her as "doctor").

It is only because I am a HCP and pushy that I asked for a second opinion and he saw the Consultant who arranged for the surgery he needed. They should be banned IMO.

Pinkflamingo10 · 24/04/2026 14:58

Yep. They’re not actual doctors. there’s no comparison as regards training or knowledge.

Pudmyboy · 24/04/2026 14:54

Wow, that's a huge concern! Mis-prescribing a drug and saying 'it should be fine' rather than a simple check of the online BNF, is terrible! I hope the GP looks after you properly and it's good that the surgery is taking action, but, what if you hadn't been so suspicious? Many people trust that the person prescribing knows what they are doing!

Dimms · 24/04/2026 14:52

That’s unforgivable really. They have the information at their fingertips so it would only take them a minute or two to work out that some medications shouldn’t be given to pregnant women.

I’m not a huge complainer, but I’d actually make a complaint about this. The consequences could have been catastrophic, and the next pregnant woman he comes into contact with might not question it.

catipuss · 24/04/2026 14:51

DevilsKitchen · 24/04/2026 14:48

I’ve just been prescribed something by a PA that is not recommended in pregnancy due to the risk of deafness and cleft palate.

I am only by virtue of being an inherently distrusting person that I am not now taking this. I mentioned I was pregnant and the PA said “oh yeah I’m pretty sure it’s fine” which to me is not good enough so I checked with the pharmacist who told me categorically no and go and ask for something else.

My colleague also had a bad experience with a PA when her daughter was prescribed something inappropriate for her specific condition.

And it’s no wonder is it? It’s two years training at masters level which is obviously nowhere near enough. It was a nice idea to try and reduce the waiting list and I don’t even think it’s their fault because they are doing their best but AIBU to say it’s time this experiment was ended?

I would like to say my surgery has dealt with it really well and I am now booked in to see an actual GP.

Surely they should do a computer check on drugs, it would have been flagged up immediately. My GP always checks everything on the computer and he's a GP. Was it just over confidence? Very bad though.

Brickiscool · 24/04/2026 14:51

A physicians associate can't prescribe medicine. It has to be signed off by a GP. So the responsibility is actually the GPs who has authorised it