Thinking of recruiting a PA in primary care? 

One of the best ways of recruiting a Physician Associate is by hosting a student PA on placement during their postgraduate degree. University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University both have extensive placements in primary care. This is a great way to embed them into the running of how the practice works and a seamless transition when starting their job. These are paid at a competitive weekly rate, for more information on hosting a PA please contact the hub.

For a wider recruitment policy, consider the NHS jobs website or Local LMC bulletins. The hub can also use its social media channel to promote jobs. There are also occasionally HEE run recruitment events where potential employers are welcome to attend.

Best time of year to recruit

In terms of recruitment cycles there are three main periods of the year when PAs conduct their national exams, which is the final step from qualification. These are in January, May, and September. With the most trainee PAs undertaking their exams in the January and September period. To maximise the opportunity to get the greatest number of candidates, it would be beneficial to co-ordinate the timings when students may be looking for posts.

The following local universities finish their courses during the period below:

  • Sheffield Hallam University – Winter
  • University of Sheffield – Summer
  • University of Leeds – Summer
  • University of Bradford – Summer
  • University of Hull/York – Summer

For more information on exact dates, please see the link below from the Faculty of Physician Associates who have the up-to-date timetables.

https://www.fparcp.co.uk/examinations/national-examinations

Job Descriptions/Person Specifications

The Faculty of Physician Associates webpage has some useful information, including an example job description and person specification, which you may find helpful. https://www.fparcp.co.uk/employers/guidance

Salary Expectations

As all PA courses are at a Postgraduate (Masters/PGDip) level, it is worth noting that there is an expectation that PAs should be employed at an AFC Band 7 equivalent salary (£40,057) as a starting point, and this is what the ARRS in Primary Care allows for.

All acute NHS Trusts advertise for PAs at this banding as do most Primary Care employ.

Indemnity

Student PAs and Qualified PAs are covered under the Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice operated by NHS Resolution for more information visit their website here. Additional, private, cover through for example the MDU, MPS or MDDUS may also be advisable depending on the physician associates’ roles and duties. Many group policies do cover PAs – please check with your indemnity provider.

Supervision

PA are classed as dependent practitioners, so will need access to a named clinical supervisor. In most circumstances this is a GP, but this does not need to be a GP Trainer but does need someone with recognised Clinical Supervision training. At present legislation does not allow PAs to independently prescribe medications but with the anticipated regulation of PAs by the GMC this is likely to change in the future. It is advised that in the first 3-6 months there is an appropriate level of support and supervision is in place to ensure a smooth transition. As part of the SY&B Preceptorship programme we provide guidance on how the clinics may look like in the first few months.

HEE £5,000 Funding for PAs on Preceptorships

HEE are providing £5,000 to support practices who have appointed a PA into their employ who are on a preceptorship. The South Yorkshire GP Physician Associate Preceptorship Programme will satisfy this eligibility factor. Click to download the funding form.

Other conditions also apply and must be met. These can be found within An employer’s guide to physician associates 

Follow this link for relevant resources for practices looking to recruit PAs: Faculty of Physician Associates – quality health care across the NHS (fparcp.co.uk)

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