UNISON is the union that represents the whole NHS team, including medical associate professionals (MAPs) such as physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AA).
We know that you will be facing huge turmoil and worry following the publication of the Leng Review of PA and AA roles. We have been working to ensure that employers do not rush ahead and implement any of the recommendations from the review without proper consultation with you and your UNISON reps.
We have argued that the review and subsequent immediate guidance from NHS England has left many PAs and AAs facing even more uncertainty and in many cases redundancy.
The skills and experience of PAs and AAs must not be lost from the NHS.
We are proud to represent PAs and AAs who have a vital role to play in delivering patient care. PAs have been part of the NHS team for over 20 years.
With more workplace representatives than any other union, we are best placed to offer local advice about your job.
We’re concerned about the toxic debate around your roles. We’re fighting to make sure that changes to the scope of practice of PAs and AAs are not made unilaterally and involve the voices of PAs, AAs, employers, regulatory bodies, education providers as well as other relevant healthcare professionals.
Both professions are now facing big changes as you head towards regulation by the General Medical Council at the end of 2026.
Our Professional Services Unit is dedicated to helping our members with their registration and regulation. If you have a complaint made against you – we will support you every step of the way.
What’s more, we provide high-quality legal services to members and their families across a wide range of issues. We work with our specialist legal services provider, Thompsons Solicitors, to provide access to high-quality employment, personal injury, and criminal law advice.
If you are experiencing issues at work, contact your local UNISON rep so that they can support you and offer you the help you need.
Based on member feedback we have long promoted the need for statutory regulation of PAs and AAs, alongside a clear understanding of:
- roles and scope of practice
- safeguards around appropriate deployment
- ongoing training and development opportunities
- safe and effective supervision and support and
- accurate job descriptions with appropriate pay banding
If you would like to be a part of our MAPs network of UNISON members working in the medical associate professions, please email MAPsNetwork@unison.co.uk.
We want to hear from you as we continue to speak with the Department of Health and Social care, NHS England and the GMC to make sure you can have your say in your future profession.
If you want your voice to be heard, join UNISON.