Overview

• 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.