The government has fast-tracked regulation for new physician associates as a way to relieve pressure on GPs, health secretary Steve Barclay has said.

At the weekend the government promised to bring forward legislation to require physician and anaesthesia associates to be registered with the GMC. Barclay said he was keen that physician associates take on prescribing powers.

There are currently 3,500 physician associates and 150 anaesthesia associates working in the NHS and the government said it wants to expand the number by training 1,000 physician associates a year and – starting next year – 500 anaesthesia associates a year.

Barclay said: “I want all parts of modern, multi-skilled healthcare teams to able to work to their full potential. That’s why we’re modernising out of date regulatory legislation to harness the full potential of roles such as physician and anaesthesia associates to provide the highest quality care for patients and relieve pressure on the NHS. This could also open the door to expanding prescribing powers, helping free up GPs, improve access to appointments and reduce pressure on hospitals.”