HEALTH SECRETARY Jeremy Hunt caused alarm yesterday over his plans to expand the number of people working as so-called physician associates (PAs). 

Mr Hunt has claimed the use of more PAs — usually science graduates who have undergone two years of intensive training — to perform certain medical duties will ease the pressure on doctors.

He told the Times newspaper: “The NHS is treating record numbers of people. That’s why we are growing the workforce further with a new class of medic so busy doctors have more time to care for patients.”