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Dr Helen Salisbury says she is concerned over whether physician associates have enough training to see all patients at GP surgeries.

"You need a lot of background to know, is this cough a viral infection? Or is it pneumonia?" she told 5 Live's Naga Munchetty.

Dr Helen, who is a GP and a representative of the British Medical Association, also criticised the funding given to PAs.

"We're hearing about GPs being asked to leave their practice and a PA being employed in their place."

She also says that the way the PA role has been "stretched" was uncomfortable for both PAs themselves and GPs who have to supervise them. Ultimately, Dr Helen believes, this is "unsafe for patients".

This clip originally aired on 5 Live Naga Munchetty on Tuesday 5 March 2024.

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