The challenge to the implementation of the Leng Review by United Medical Associate Professionals (UMAPs) has been dismissed by the High Court. The Court refused permission to apply for judicial review, finding all grounds unarguable.
The finding came exactly a year after the Leng Review into the use of physician and anaesthesia associates in the NHS was published. Many of its recommendations for protecting patient safety are still not implemented.
Mr Justice MacDonald found that the Review was lawfully produced, and that the allegation of bad faith on the part of Professor Leng in appeasing the BMA was baseless.
BMA deputy chair of council Dr Emma Runswick said:
"It is now a year since the Leng Review was published and its implementation has taken far too long: protecting patient safety cannot wait. It is a shame that UMAPs had to take up so much time with a judicial review request that never had any legs, but now it has been dismissed there should be nothing further delaying Government action.
"Every ground UMAPs brought was found to be unarguable. Importantly, the allegation that the Leng Review was somehow designed to appease the BMA and its resident doctor members was rightly found to be baseless. The recommendations, while limited, were an attempt to protect patient safety. Trying to stop the implementation of safety measures on unevidenced accusations was always going to fail.
"Government must now go further and faster to make sure patients are seen by the right staff, and specifically that physician assistants are prohibited from seeing undifferentiated patients. We will continue to ensure that the steps taken to implement the Leng recommendations are rooted in patient safety."
Notes to editors
The court order can be read here
The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.