SEVERAL hospitals will receive their first ever physician associates (PA) to work on the frontline of the NHS thanks to a university.

The first cohort of students from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) have completed the Postgraduate Diploma Physician Associate Studies.

The newly qualified PAs are now starting work in the region, bringing new medical skills to Lancashire and Cumbria to boost the healthcare economy.

Jobs have been secured at hospitals including Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Burnley General Teaching Hospital, Carlisle Infirmary, Royal Preston Hospital and West Cumberland Hospital, as well as GP practices throughout the region.

Up until now, only a couple of hospitals and surgeries in the region have employed PAs.

Dr Cathy Jackson, executive dean and head of the UCLan School of Medicine, said: "The appointment of the new PAs within the region’s hospitals and surgeries represents an important step in improving the region’s healthcare services.

"I am delighted that the medical school at UCLan, working in partnership with Health Education England, is taking a leading role in this development."