5th November 2026
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has hosted a regional conference for physician assistants at Daisy Hill Hospital.
Focused on continuing professional development, the event brought colleagues together with speakers from Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland to share learning, strengthen professional networks and explore innovations in clinical practice. Dr Naresh Chada, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, also attended.
Previously known as physician associates, physician assistants (PAs) are healthcare professionals regulated by the General Medical Council. Following an undergraduate degree in health or life sciences, they undertake training in the medical model and work as part of multidisciplinary medical teams. Under the supervision of a named senior doctor, PAs provide diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative care.
Dr Stephen Austin, Trust Medical Director, explained: “The Southern Trust has around 30 PAs working across hospital and community services, including emergency and general medicine, surgery, urology, ENT, stroke, neurology, renal services, paediatrics, haematology, cardiology, Hospital at Home and community mental health.
“Their role involves working closely with medical teams and assisting with taking medical histories, carrying out physical examinations and assessing symptoms. They also support diagnosis and treatment by requesting and interpreting tests and contributing to clinical management plans, as well as providing patient education on health promotion, long-term condition management and preventative care.
“Our clinical team at Daisy Hill is committed to providing the best possible care for patients and continually improving services, which makes the hospital well placed to serve as a centre for professional development and enhancing multidisciplinary roles.”
The conference programme covered a range of clinical topics, including stroke, psychiatry, the care of older people and intravenous iron, alongside sessions on the role, professional development and appraisal of physician assistants.
Delegates also received an update on the University Physician Associate Graduate Survey and heard about the role of physician assistants in Wales.
Welcoming colleagues to Daisy Hill Hospital, Southern Trust Chief Executive Steve Spoerry said:
“In the Southern Trust, we are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development across all disciplines.
“Physician assistants are valued members of our multidisciplinary teams. By working alongside medical, nursing and other healthcare colleagues, they help to deliver high-quality care for patients across a wide range of services.
“We are very proud to host this important inaugural event at Daisy Hill Hospital. It gave physician assistants from across the region an opportunity to learn from one another, collaborate and explore developments in clinical practice. The connections formed will support their professional development and benefit the patients they care for.”