New Physician Associates welcomed to Bronglais General Hospital

Bronglais Hospital has become the first in Wales to provide a training programme for Physician Associates, who are trained to support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients.
In association with Birmingham University, Bronglais has taken Physician Associates in psychiatry, general medicine, paediatrics, maternity, gynaecology, general surgery and accident and emergency.
Hywel Dda University Health Board has been working with Powys Teaching Health Board through the Mid Wales Healthcare Collaborative to provide clinical placements in primary and secondary care.
The health board is currently arranging placement opportunities within Bronglais Hospital and GP surgeries after qualification, and expects these new members of the medical workforce to make a positive contribution to the way in which clinical services are delivered.
Physician Associates are trained to perform a number of roles such as taking medical histories, performing examinations, analysing test results, and diagnosing illnesses under the direct supervision of a doctor.
One of the Physician Associate Students, June Cheng, said: “We have enjoyed our clinical placements in Bronglais General Hospital and the GP surgeries in Powys, and look forward to working in Mid Wales after we have qualified.”
Dr Sue Fish, Clinical Programme Director for the Mid Wales Healthcare Collaborative, added: “I am pleased that through the work of the Mid Wales Healthcare Collaborative we have been able to lead the way in Wales in providing new training opportunities for Physician Associate students.
“This innovative scheme has had a particular focus on providing them with the knowledge and skills so that once they are qualified they are able to work alongside GPs as part of the primary care team.”