On Monday 26th February, the passage of the AAPA order through the House of Lords was a momentous day for anaesthesia associates. This order enables the GMC to regulate AAs by the end of the year. Regulation has been the top priority of our Association since 2008. This is an important step in professional accountability, transparency and safety for patients. It supports and strengthens the hard work of anaesthesia associates, their supervisors and employers. We welcome this news and will continue to work with stakeholders towards implementation of regulation. We also look forward to the GMC consultation on the ‘rules’ governing the register for AAs and PAs.

The debate in the HoL covered a variety of topics and recurring concerns. As an Association we want to reinforce AAs are skilled professionals who work under supervision. There are many examples of effective utilisation of AAs strengthening the anaesthesia team, expanding service, offering timely and safe care for patients

In reaching this long term aim, we would like to thank the current and past committee members for their efforts in representing our membership and profession over many years.