Last month, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) debated issues relating to the physician associate profession at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM). Following the EGM, RCP fellows were asked to vote on five motions covering scope of practice, accountability, evaluation, the impact on training opportunities, and the pace and scale of roll-out, all of which were passed.
RCP president Dr Sarah Clarke wrote to fellows and members this morning. She commented:
‘We need to acknowledge more loudly the increasingly challenging environment for our profession and do more for you. Today is when we reset. As an organisation, we must learn from the experience of the EGM when we should have done better.
‘We need to listen to the wider issues that members have raised about how the RCP represents you and we need to make sure that you all have a voice.
‘The RCP’s strength comes from our community, and I acknowledge that our engagement with you needs to improve. I want us to work together to restore trust and be the professional association that you deserve.’
RCP Council yesterday endorsed a plan to deliver the outcome of the ballot, pledging a renewed focus on supporting and empowering the next generation of physicians. Among the agreed actions:
- The King’s Fund will deliver an independent learning review to examine the events leading up to the EGM, how it was organised, and the aftermath of the meeting. This will include questions about the pre-EGM member survey and how the data were presented at the EGM.
- The RCP will establish a short-life working group to develop a detailed action plan in response to all five EGM motions. This will include representatives from Council, specialist societies, and will involve trainees, SAS/LE doctors and consultants.
- The RCP will work with the Faculty of Physician Associates to develop a clear timeline for its transition to an independent faculty of PAs within 12 months.
Members and fellows will be updated regularly on progress, with Council steering this process.