Coroner alarmed after NHS physician associate misdiagnoses femoral hernia as nosebleed

The physician associate was 'effectively' practising independently, the coroner found.

A UK coroner has issued warnings over physician associates’ scope of practice and supervision requirements after a patient’s fatal misdiagnosis.

Patient Pamela Marking, 77, attended East Surrey Hospital ED in February last year with right-sided and suprapubic pain after vomiting blood-stained fluid.