Fatal Misdiagnosis: Don't Let Anyone Else Die Like Our Daughter Did

The parents of a 30 year old actress from Salford who died after a fatal misdiagnosis by a physician associate, are calling on the government to overhaul the guidelines on how PAs work. Emily Chesterton died in 2022 after visiting her GP. She thought she'd been seen by a qualified doctor but in fact it was a physician associate. Emily had a blood clot in her calf but was sent away with a beta blocker and a diagnosis of long Covid.
Last week her mother Marion was invited to speak to delegates at the launch by the BMA of new guidance outlining how physician associates can work safely and effectively in the NHS. Marion and her husband Brendan now want this guidance to be taken on in full by the government to ensure that what happened to Emily never happens again.
Broadcast on 18/03/24
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[@teagarden874]

I have just recovered from a blood clot. She had classic symptoms!! A simple ultrasound could have detected it and blood thinners prescribed to clear it. Such a sad story. My condolences to her family.

[@Snippets635]

Has happened to me, thought I was seeing a doctor but turns out it was a Physian Associate who acted like a doctor and didn’t bother to correct me when I referred to them as Doctor… the NHS is totally down the drain, awful

[@liudmilaamaro8401]

So sad , may she find eternal peace. NHS needs serious help.

[@catherine9808]

Utterly devastating just horrific rest in peace beautiful girl

[@spinynorman8217]

I saw a Physician's associate last week in a 'that day' appointment for my elderly mum. I wouldn't have known any difference as it wasn't mentioned, however it was labelled on the door which was open,so easily missed. I brought up his role in conversation but it wouldn't have been mentioned if l hadn't. I feel there is a problem with the name as it us to grand.

[@sinceresong9907]

" help patients decide their treatment plans"...scary times

[@abbiebrown2733]

Heartbreaking. Emily is a beautiful lady . Horrible. I pray nobody else goes through this

[@Feellikealady99]

Disgraceful. Sorry for your loss. Tories would have us all dead for their profiteering.

[@silverorchid7194]

They would you're absolutely right. But Labour will be worse, we are a one party state now thinly disguised as a democracy. 😢

[@colephelps7816]

​​@@silverorchid7194 Absolutely. The PA project is a bipartisan plan, Wes Streeting doubling med school places is pointless if Postgrad training posts are still at 2013 levels; leaving Doctors jobless after FY2 or ST3, leaving many to go abroad.

[@samanthasmith1885]

I'm sending my prayers to and your family

[@lightlight1202]

Sorry for your loss

[@debbriggs5811]

Awe, so sorry, condolences. What a beautiful young woman. Am sure due to her age they overlooked the bloodclot, this happens often. True, The GP could of made the same mistake. Here in the US, a PA is used more and more all the time. Your lucky to see the Dr.

[@anilasharma2371]

My heart goes to this family, it happened to me over 6 years to seeva GP with abdominal pain 4 months prior to my diagnosis with life threatening terminal cancer, each day is a bonus for me, I hope and pray it doesn't happen to others.

[@monicanath4859]

So sorry to hear this.

[@user-fj4wv6mv7u]

(Sighs in awake ex NHS worker at the suggestion that this could be just one rogue staff member) Still waiting for the media and public to wake up to the wolves in Sheeps clothing. This is the tip of the ice berg. Rest in peace to this poor woman. I know exactly what she went through. Not only because I witnessed it time and time again at work but because a nurse presenting as a doctor nearly killed me after I had the same symptoms and massive clots. RIP

[@sparkscouldfly9018]

So sad she was beautiful, they were absolute classic symptoms of a blood clot!

[@anglophils645]

Here in the US, PA's are Physician's Assistants. "Associate" sounds too much as though they are junior physicians, which they are not. Regardless of title, I think they are bad idea. Urgent Care locations here are all staffed by PA's now. The care is not at the same high level,as back when Urgent Care was staffed by MD's.

[@annazapolska9748]

It is like nurse assistant is not a nurse. Everybody has their role and position. Sorry for the family.

[@Ljt2024]

In the USA their call Nurse Practitioner. If they want to give the patient a prescription the doctor has to approve it. Doctor reviews the Nurse Practitioner’s patient diagnosis

[@bear4772]

We have nurse practitioners in the uk as well, physician associates are something different and no where near the level of training and qualifications that a practice nurse has

[@candice2256]

False. In the US, there are nurse practitioners and physician assistants which are different than how they practice in the UK. Please don't spread false information that's damaging to my profession

[@johnlemmo681]

Totally wrong !

[@caramelbilquees]

Wrong and I paid 100 Dollars and this woman wheeled out and diagnosed me and later too I found out she's wasn't a " Doctor " but one of these Practioners

[@cassandratq9301]

They're trying to replace doctors with Nurse Practioners in the U.S. too, and the NP's act like doctors and don't correct the impression with the patients.

[@Sam3532]

My appendix ruptured in 2018 after I was sent home with gaviscon by a practitioner after a few days of like a trapped wind feeling but high up below my stomach. Hadn’t eaten or passed anything in a few days either.. a day or 2 later it ruptured 🤷

[@alexandrarohla1531]

Do people know a health practitioner has taken over from a nurse in a doctors surgery

[@brucenome989]

Do you know how many doctors missed Diagnose in 1 year.

[@julesxx23]

Exactly, if Dr can miss a diagnosis, imagine how many can a physician associate miss?

[@Laurenkidsncats]

We was ignored for a year My two-year-old was suffering, debilitating, headaches, most mornings, she actually hadn’t even turned two, and it started. Just kept being told toddlers don’t get headaches she had a CT scan we were told it was all clear. Because that was reported clear for the next year, we wasjust ignored And dismissed every time. Until I’ve got a second opinion via a different route. Discovered a brain tumour. Due to the delay, she’s now quadriplegic as a tracheostomy ventilator at home. Turns out it was on the CT scan all along!

[@jenny2tone242]

That is awful, so sorry you have been let down as bad as this 😢

[@millionaire2631]

I was 17 working in a dr’s surgery.. If someone requested a prescription for routine stuff I WOULD PRESCRiBE IT.. the dose as well.. After the morning surgery I would hand the dr a stack to sign.. And he would check them……… Your not safe. Always check.

[@mystrength5640]

This is becoming, greatly concerning! Concerned for the Qualified Doctors and patients, even a Staff Nurse or Registered Nurse, would be able to Diagnose a pain, in calf. Or ankle Or behind knee.. !

[@justadude8369]

Shameful that the NHS is lowering standards to save costs. Ironically PAs will cost far more than they will save through litigation payouts.

[@natashaj9169]

How do I know if I am seeing an associate or Doctor?

[@madamg612]

The best way is to just ask the person you are seeing, or the receptionist at the point of booking or arriving for your appointment. A patient has the right to choose who they see.

[@keoniblockx399]

Just ask them. I lost Emily because of not knowing this. Stand your ground and ask for a doctor. I wish we could've done the same

[@johnlemmo681]

By law they have to wear a name tag ID and state what they are. Listen, Don't assume, which most peope do.

[@user-ij1nt3ul4w]

@@keoniblockx399 I'm sorry for your loss Keoni. I hope you stay strong and keep campaigning. You will prevent the loss of lives in the future.

[@candice2256]

The amount of ignorance on this thread is terrifying. Classic media interference. I assume many of you have no idea how physician associates or assistants are trained nor are one. So please stop slandering the profession

[@user-ij1nt3ul4w]

We do. 2 years of 'medical model' training with an unrelated science undergrad where you need a 2:1, or even 2:2. I know an individual who did not get into medical school with her low grades, and is now working as a physician associate. Many of the PA courses have a 100% pass rate. No thank you.

[@louise6119]

What’s the signs of a blood clot?

[@deee1776]

I don’t understand how this is relieving doctors!!

[@sonjacannon2744]

I was going to my Dr for 2 years telling them I had cancer, they told me it was depression, even though the hospital were writing to them and me telling me my plates were high. I was feeling very ill my stomach was swollen, I had dizzy spells and headaches. Finally I saw a new Dr as my arm went numb. I was sent straite to the cancer unit and told I had a rare type of incurable blood cancer. I've been on chemo tablets and other meds for the last five years, now they tell me my kidneys have been bad for 8 years. This isn't the first time they've done this to me. I have no faith in the N. H.S.

[@zarax9546]

Sad to hear, praying for you massively . Stay positive and I wish you loads of happiness and health💕

[@kimlatta4053]

🙏🙏🙏

[@elainekent3551]

💔

[@Obatala_Vibez]

That’s the thing with the NHS, when your young and beautiful looking they won’t take you seriously. Sorry darling RIP sweet one 🕊️

[@jessicaellina3878]

A first year student nurse could have made the correct diagnosis... classic symptoms. Gross negligence and delusions of grandeur resulted in this beautiful, talented girl dying unnecessarily. So sorry for her lovely parents' loss. '

[@user-ij1nt3ul4w]

History of unilateral leg swelling presenting with new onset chest pain screams PE. Unbelievable.

[@Med-lv9fq]

Everywhere else they are called physician assistants, they should be used in hospitals in wards to help consultants snd other senior doctors do that GP trainees are not used in hospitals for service and can get clinical experience in all specialities

[@candice2256]

If you don't know how physician assistants are actually trained, please don't spread ignorance. Thank you

[@Med-lv9fq]

Not ignorance, you need to have some common sense only to know that a two year clinical training can’t replace years of training and learning that doctors go through

[@colephelps7816]

PAs are NOT worth 44-53k/year for a 37.5hr work week (compared to FY1s on ~33-34k for a 48hr week plus unpaid overtime, team members who are actually useful and can prescribe and order scans, unlike PAs). And yes PAs are replacing doctors. The east England deanery has 99 potential FY1s on a waiting list as they "don't have enough money" for those places. Yet they have money for PA "foundation trainees", eh? Furthermore, ARRS incentivises the replacement of Doctors with PAs in primary care. I have worked with PAs on many occasions over a wide variety of hospital settings; they double or triple my workload. They get paid more than ST2s (some more than ST3/IMT3 registrars!!) for equivalent base hours, and we would be better served with 1) More ST1-ST8 posts 2)More consultant posts, and 3) Band 4 Doctor's assistants. The PA role is not cost effective and needs to be scrapped. Queensland scrapped the role after a cohort went through "PA school". Why can't we? The British public deserve better. We have an oversubscription to ST1 and ST4 training posts despite only ~14% of FY2s directly applying for training post F2... don't complain when Doctors leave the UK if they can't get a job...

[@janemasini356]

So AWFUL! MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO HER FAMILY, R.I.P BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER EMILY. DOCTORS ARE AWFUL! I NEVER SEEN A DR FOR 8MTHS , THEY AKWAYS PUT ME IN TO SEE A NURSE😮

[@jblakeblake5115]

Vaccine injury?

[@user-ki9yq7ff2t]

*alert, long message* I am utterly sorry for the loss and my condolences go out for Emily’s family. It’s true, ideally neither healthcare professionals should misdiagnose patients not just physician associates (PA). There are a lot of misdiagnosed cases amongst doctors, ANPs, clinical Paramendics, ACPs and list goes on and I’m unsure why their cases aren’t highlighted in the media as PA’s? Concerning the title ‘Physician Associates’ doesn’t sound grandiose at all but their title has been overly scrutinised. There are ‘Nurse Associate’ in the NHS and they don’t sound grandiose to Nurse. If concerned with PA’s title then why don’t they change the ‘Doctors’ title to ‘Physicians’ in the UK like the US? Similarly, change the titles of ‘Foundation’ doctors to something appropriate. I support to increase PA’s in the NHS similarly as other ACP, ANPs and relevant clinicians to diversify professionals in the NHS as it’s straining. Surely they all go through intense training prior qualifying. NHS is on the verge of crashing down due to increase demand of patients more than ever with less doctors. Putting pressure on doctors only being allowed to see patients in 10 mins appointment which is unrealistic, they should be granted more time like 15 minutes. PA’s are their own professions and shouldn’t be compared to doctors because the depth and breadth of medicine taught differs (doctors more depth and breadth) looking at their physician associate framework which clearly sets out in their matrix if read by doctors and others who aren’t familiar with them. PA’s are added clinicians to help work alongside doctors, they’re trained to see common conditions under supervision of doctors whereas doctors focusses on common and complex. I can see a lot of wry and hate for PA in social media and BMA and anti-PA’s similar as some doctors were with ANP’s were introduced (historically) in fear of replacing them. That will never happen as PAs work under their supervision similar to Nursing associate to nurse. It’s fair for GMC to regulate PA’s (like the way NMC regulated Nurse Associate) as they work closely with the each other not against each other. Finally, it’s unfair to say PA has only two years of intense training. There’s no consideration of their undergraduate status prior undertaking PA course they are e.g. Nurses, Paramedic, Pharmacist, biomedicine, Physiologist etc. Whereas doctors have five years of training without an undergraduate degree. PA’s don’t just qualify after passing their finals in medical school but goes through another set of intense exams of MCQs and OSCEs in Liverpool- the Spine building of Royal College of Physicians, called Physician Association National Exams (PANE) on passing PANE they qualify. Unlike Doctors, Nurses, Midwife and other professionals of being qualified right after their university exams. This begs the question, since PA’s are under supervision consultants/Seniors as similar as foundation doctors, then what support, supervision was provided to that PA by their GP who misdiagnosed Emily? Since PA’s can’t prescribe at present then which doctor accepted prescriptions? Did that doctor and PA discuss Emily’s case together? I agree that DVT or PE shouldn’t be missed by any clinicians.

[@esthellakomerl8084]

Thank you for your message. This report is misleading.. It takes 5 years to become a PA..

[@keoniblockx399]

The PA in question send Emily back out after 3 mins. Emily's been let down. Now that I know the symptoms, after losing Emily, I was able to spot the same symptoms with another family member from me and they were able to get help. Someone who is "trained" let my partner down en she passed away. How can you defend them?

[@KSMaxiefan01]

@@keoniblockx399 I’m sorry for your loss but why hate a whole profession when it was one person that made that mistake. If a doctor had misdiagnosed Emily would you be blaming the whole profession and please don’t say a doctor wouldn’t missed this because they would had “more training”.

[@jujutrini8412]

@@keoniblockx399It would seem that the whole team let Emily and your family down. The PA, the supervising Dr and the GP Practice. Also the NHS for allowing the situation where a PA can be diagnosing people without adequate supervision. I am sorry for your loss. condolences. RIP Emily.

[@keoniblockx399]

@@jujutrini8412 thank you x

[@alearningcentre6711]

very very sad indeed, rip. but unfortunately even experienced drs/gp make mistakes all the time. bma are using this very sad case unfortunately for their own interests.

[@H20x3]

I disagree, these were classical symptoms even a 5th year medical student would have picked up on

[@am5783]

@@H20x3 Im a second year nursing student and even I have picked it up in a&e before on placement.

[@colettegibson6516]

Often I have been seen by a nurse, nowhere near a Dr's qualification and felt as though it was a wasted appointment. They had to go confer with a Dr and can't prescribe! And this is why I don't support the strikes

[@clarewinfield5022]

At least they go and talk to the Doctor which is safe!

[@mimoaj90]

what you're saying doesn't make sense. GPs aren't striking.... it's junior doctors on the wards that are striking because they don't get paid enough for what they do. Their pay has not increased since 2008 yet cost of living has increased so much. So if you want to see more doctors you should support their strikes because they are providing a service which has a lot of responsibility and they are the backbone of. the NHS in the hospitals.

[@H20x3]

What have junior doctor strikes got to do with this video about Physician’s Associates who ARE NOT even qualified doctors. They are NOT the same, please do not equate them.

[@goc6560]

May her soul RIP. Unfortunately, experience doctors and Gp make mistakes including missing DVT. I lost interest when I realised this tragic death is being used to orchestrate campaign of a selfish ambition by the BMA. The PA profession is safe, thriving and expanding in so many countries including US, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, India, Israel, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Liberia, Ghana etc and not just in UK.

[@justadude8369]

No they are not. PAs in USA are used as actual assistants and they are much better trained than UK PAs. GPs make mistakes too but thats an argument for better trained professionals not worse trained. Its like saying the majority of people involved in car crashses have valid drivers licenses...so lets just open the roads to people who haven't passed their driving test?

[@user-dl8eo6zc9z]

@goc6560. So sorry you lost interest. It is not this awful tragedy that has brought things to a head, it is other patients who have suffered. Yes, Drs and Physicians do make mistakes, but at least you stand a better chance of them getting it right. The Blood clot in the leg is one of the easier ones to get right, I very nearly died from a Pulmonary Embolism after the birth of my son, if it hadn’t been diagnosed correctly--- goodnight Vienna.

[@KSMaxiefan01]

The only thing this story made me realize is how different PAs are treated in the UK vs US (and in a way similar because in the US we still have the smear campaign). Knowing what I know about the NHS, is that they are swamped especially specialty with long wait times and adequate trained and regulated PAs can actually help shortened it if they actually tried instead of running a smear campaign

[@justadude8369]

@@KSMaxiefan01 Why not hire more doctors? We dont need poorly trained PAs diluting standards in medical care. Leave it to the professionals.

[@110311DONTWANTCHANNE]

in the US, GPs are just as dumb

[@H20x3]

What has this got to do with a video about a Physician’s associate, they ARE NOT GP’s

[@leswhiting8943]

This is being going on for years....... this isn't new......... it's not even news.............