Are you a registered physician associate (PA) or anaesthesia associate (AA) going through the GMC’s fitness to practise processes? If so, you’re able to access our independent support.

We understand that a fitness to practise assessment can be a stressful experience and you may want to talk to someone about how you are feeling. You can contact the PA and AA Support Service Monday-Friday between 8am and 6pm on 0300 373 2802. Calls are charged at local rates.

If you need support outside of these hours, you can call the same number and you’ll be directed to our 24/7 team who can provide immediate support. This is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What support do we offer?

You can talk to us about how you are feeling as well as the impact the process is having on you. We can support and guide you through what can be a difficult time.

We can discuss any areas affected by your case where you may need practical help and advice. If we think another organisation may be able to offer you specialist support, we can signpost you to them.

We are also able to attend a hearing with you for up to two days if you feel in-person support is something that you would benefit from. Our service is free, independent, confidential and non-judgemental. We will not share anything that you say with the GMC unless you want us to or there is a safeguarding concern.

We can’t offer legal advice, advocacy, or any guidance/advice about your case. Your named GMC contact is the best person to speak to if you have specific questions about the assessment.

Is this support for me?

We can support you if you are a registered physician associate or anaesthesia associate and the GMC have told you that they are assessing a concern about your fitness to practise.

You can call us at any point, including once the GMC’s assessment  has concluded, so that we can support you with the outcome.

What happens when I call?

Depending on when you call, you may have to wait a minute or so for your call to be answered, but we aim for everyone who calls to be answered as quickly as possible. A trained member of our dedicated team will answer the call between 8am and 6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays). If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can contact us using Relay UK, putting 18001 ahead of the number you are calling.

If you would like help in another language during your contact with Victim Support, we are happy to arrange and pay for an interpreter to support you and answer any questions or concerns you have.

We do not receive details from the GMC about your case, as we are independent. This will mean we may need to ask you some questions to understand your situation, but you only need to tell us what you feel comfortable sharing.

After the initial call you will be allocated a caseworker who will be your consistent point of contact with us through the process.

We recognise that your needs may change as the case progresses, and contact may need to become more or less frequent with our service. Our support is tailored to each person so this will be something you can discuss directly with your caseworker to decide what works best for you.

You do not have to take up any support. We are happy to explain our service to you and give you any information that you need to decide if our support is right for you.

Where can I find further information?

If you would like more information on how we can support you, please call us on 0300 373 2802. Our team is available Monday – Friday, 8am-6pm (excluding bank holidays).

If you call outside of these hours, you can access immediate support by a 24/7 call handler who will refer you to our specialist casework team who can make contact during working hours.

You can also find information on the GMC’s website for registrants in its fitness to practise processes. If you would like to know more information or an update on the investigation, please call your named contact at the GMC. If you don’t have their details, please call the GMC contact centre on 0161 923 6602.