Anaesthesia associates
Anaesthesia associates
Anaesthesia associates (AAs), formerly known as physician assistants (anaesthesia), were introduced in 2004 and the role is now established within many NHS hospitals, where they work within the anaesthetic team under the supervision of a consultant anaesthetist or other autonomously practising anaesthetists.
The College provides leadership and guidance on the education, training and professional development of anaesthesia associates (AAs). We support AAs who are currently training or working in the NHS and we welcome them as affiliate members of the College.
Evolving work and context
Our work relating to AAs is evolving, as is the wider debate about the role of Medical Associate Professions (MAPs). We have sought to ensure all the information and guidance on these pages is up to date, but it may be subject to change.
Following concerns raised by our members regarding patient safety at the October 2023 EGM, we have completed all required actions.
Interim AA Scope of Practice and the Leng Review
In December 2024, we published the Interim AA Scope of Practice, endorsed by the Association of Anaesthetists. It was subsequently also endorsed by the Leng Review and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care as a safe and appropriate framework for the contribution of AAs to high-quality anaesthetic care.
We expect all departments to continue implementing the Interim AA Scope of Practice, which presents clearly defined phases of practice from qualification onwards, including the levels of supervision required.
Pause in the recruitment of new student AAs
Recruitment of new student AAs remains paused while we seek clarity on legal action threatened by United Medical Associate Professionals (UMAPs) following the publication of the Leng Review. Council and the Board of Trustees will review this issue again once the legal challenges are resolved.
