The Future of NHS

A two-tier health system is on the horizon, with primary care expected by 2029 and secondary care by 2035. The shift could lead to doctors becoming out-of-pocket service providers, raising critical questions about the evolving landscape of healthcare.

BMA and UMAPs Stalemate
The British Medical Association (BMA) has voiced concerns about Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) being included in the House Officer (HO) and Senior House Officer (SHO) rotas, being trained in hospitalist medicine, and filling middle-grade roles previously reserved for doctors. The fear? Career progression for ACPs and Physician Associates (PAs) could diminish opportunities for doctors, potentially pushing them out of the system. On the other hand, given recent cases of medical malpractice and inquests involving PAs, it’s a pressing issue.

However, UMAPs (UK Medics and Advanced Practitioners) have fiercely defended PAs, AAs, SCPs, ACPs and NPs and now ACPS against what they considers a discrimination. Is the BMA’s concern rooted in the principle of patient care, or is it a strategic defense to protect doctors?
As Healthcare Professionals, we must ask:

• Should the focus of training shift from doctors as the competition for roles intensifies?
• Should we prioritise training for doctors, especially when they often move to other specialties, over ACPs?
• Is BMA weaponing scope for their own protection?

What are your thoughts?