associates

Officers were able to listen in to Jameel’s side of conversations he had with associates, during which he would arrange crossings for his customers.

Associates were introduced in the NHS 21 years ago with the expectation they would support doctors by delivering basic care.

From December, associates will join doctors in being regulated by the GMC.

The Academy of Royal Colleges has also called for an independent review into the use of associates because of an "increasingly acrimonious and destructive debate".

NHS England said it had issued "updated guidance on the appropriate deployment of medical associates" and would provide increased clarity about their roles.