Setting safe and lawful practise measures for AAs and PAs should have been defined from Day One. Right from the start there should have been a clear definition of what they can and cannot do. But instead it has been left empty and undefined.

And with most other institutions merely shaking their heads in dismay, we have picked up the mantle and started legal action.

We are not calling for AAs/PAs to be made redundant, we respect them as individuals and we are aware that the atmosphere (especially on social media) can be toxic and unpleasant for all. We believe there is a role for Associates, within defined limits in the workplace. Our anger is directed at a system that callously placed two grades of workers into the same workplace without defining the differences between them, or setting out safe and lawful practice measures. This is of paramount importance in ensuring we all provide safe and outstanding care. 

The Anaesthetists United legal case is all about the rules. What limits are there on the tasks AAs and PAs can do? How must they be supervised; and how should patients give consent to be treated by them?

Getting answers to these questions is proving to be very expensive, and we may need to raise up to £500,000. We cannot do that without help. So we’re looking for volunteers in every hospital and GP Practice to assist us with fundraising, by spreading the word of our campaign in their local workplace and community. 

Our aim is to recruit at least one AU Fundraising Coordinator (AUFC) into every hospital and GP Practice.

The post is unpaid, starts as soon as possible within reason,  and will probably run for a few months. We anticipate it will involve a few hours of work per week.

We will supply you with a Briefing Pack with background information, sample posters, emails and Whatsapp messages, and we will set up a WhatsApp or Discord group for you to share experiences with other AUFCs.

About the Role:

We are looking for enthusiastic doctors and members of the public to join our team as Fundraising Coordinators. This role is crucial to our campaign to raise £500,000 from doctors and patients.

The Fundraising Coordinator will act as the driver within their hospital or GP Practice to raise funds and gain support from colleagues.

AUFCs are not directly responsible for collecting money (which is done online) and do not have specific targets to reach.

Tasks and Responsibilities

  • Use networking and other social skills to reach colleagues within the hospital.
    • Distribute letters, posters and other messaging
    • Use social media groups and appropriate (and permissible) mailing lists within the hospital or practice.
    • Promote the campaign through informal conversations
  • Help write, prepare and distribute compelling messages to encourage donations
  • Contact local newspapers, radio and TV stations to highlight the issue and raise local awareness (while taking into account the importance of confidentiality and professional behaviour)
  • Liaise with other AUFCs to share experiences and ideas

Person Spec

  • Current employment within the hospital/practice at either resident, consultant, SAS, GP or other level (or a member of the public)
  • Medical staff – Can encompass any speciality (non-medical staff also welcome to apply)
  • An understanding of the hospital’s internal network and communication channels (desirable).
  • Good networking and interpersonal skills.
  • Motivated, proactive, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Persuasive and inspiring, with the ability to rally support and drive engagement.
  • A basic understanding of AU’s position on AAs and PAs (there is more detail in the briefing pack)

How to Apply:

To find out more, fill out the form below and one of us will contact you to discuss the role. You can also email us for information at AUFC@anaesthetistsunited.com

This is a new venture for Anaesthetists United and we are working this out as we go along; its an exciting time to be a part of it.