Will this parliamentary motion be the turning point?
We believe the title ‘anaesthetist’ (and, for futureproofing, ‘anaesthesiologist’) should be legally protected. It’s important that the public know that when we use those words, we mean a doctor.
We’ve raised this with policymakers and have had encouraging support. In response to a written question on behalf of the Association from Peter Prinsley MP, Health Minister Karin Smyth recognised the importance of protecting certain professional titles.
The Government intends to review which titles are protected as part of their reform of the legislative frameworks of all healthcare professional regulators. Most recently, Michelle Welsh MP has also introduced a parliamentary motion calling for the change and we’re asking MPs to sign it to show their support.