Are ‘cut-price doctors’ the answer to NHS crisis?

WE ALREADY have ‘cut-price doctors’ (Mail). With the NHS in crisis with a shortage of doctors, especially GPs, who are leaving faster than they can be recruited, something needs to done to maintain primary care. You do not always need to be seen by a GP with ten years’ training to receive a good service. However, the plan to allow life-science graduates to take a two-year course to become Physician Associates is unnecessary. Nurse Practitioners already do a sterling job. They have to be qualified, experienced nurses before taking a two-year, full-time course to qualify. Instead of coming up with a whole new profession, all that’s required is for the Government to realise the value of Nurse Practitioners and encourage people to enter this profession by providing free training and decent salaries.

BOB BIRChMORE, Bury, Lancs. WHY the clamour against Physician Associates? This scheme may be on the cheap, but the nHS is strapped for cash and it’s better than nothing. When a paramedic is the first responder in an accident, the victim would never say: ‘Don’t touch me, I want a qualified GP.’ So why the fuss about seeing a Physician Associate with the skill and knowledge to deal with minor ailments? They can always call in the GP if needed. It is a practical solution to the GP shortage problem and preferable to a long wait for an appointment.

R. haVENhaND, Nantwich, Cheshire.

ARE ‘cut-price’ doctors the way to solve the staffing crisis in the NHS? My grandson has a degree in biology and has worked in London hospitals for the past five years. Each time he applies for medical school, he passes the exams, but fails the interviews. No reason is given.

GREta StRatFORD, Grantham, Lincs.