Coroner’s Report Highlights Risks of Physician Associates in Fatal Misdiagnosis Case

The death of a 77-year-old woman has reignited scrutiny over the role of physician associates in the NHS, with calls for stricter guidelines and supervision.

Pamela Marking, 77, died in February 2024 after a physician associate misdiagnosed her hernia as a nosebleed, delaying critical treatment.
The coroner found that the physician associate failed to take a full medical history or conduct a necessary abdominal examination, contributing to Marking's death.
Concerns were raised about the lack of clear public understanding of physician associates' qualifications and their role compared to doctors.
A government-commissioned review is underway to evaluate the safety and scope of physician associate roles, with findings expected later this year.
Medical bodies are urging the NHS to implement stricter supervision and national guidelines to prevent similar cases and protect patient safety.