Two new Physician Associates have joined Skipton’s Fisher Medical Centre, creating up to 200 more appointments a week.
Andy King and Ria Agarwal are both highly trained and have been working closely alongside the GPs since November.
Physician Associates are medically trained science graduates, who are able to carry out duties normally carried out by doctors.
Dr Natalie Curtis said: “We are delighted to welcome Andy King and Ria Agarwal to the surgery.
“Currently there are just a handful of Physician Associates operating in the UK but none that we are aware of in general practice in Yorkshire. Based on current evidence from here and abroad, Physician Associates have been welcomed by patients.
“Andy and Ria have both expertise and enthusiasm. They will be supervised by a doctor and will carry out straightforward medical tasks such as taking medical histories, conducting examinations, ordering tests and diagnosing. They will also discuss treatment options with the patient, make referrals and agree medication with the doctor.”
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