Cutting physiotherapy services a false economy, says CSP

CSP chief executive Karen Middleton

Karen Middleton, chief executive of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said:

‘This once again highlights the enormous financial pressures CCGs are under, but also the very worrying way in which some are choosing to respond.

‘Simply cutting services such as physiotherapy will always prove to be a false economy if patients do not get the care they need. Conditions that could easily have been treated will worsen and require further support at a greater cost to the NHS.

‘When similar proposals were made in Mid Essex we commissioned a poll that showed significant numbers of people would not only go to their GP again if they couldn’t get physiotherapy, but many would end up in A&E.

‘Fortunately in Mid Essex we were able to work with the CCG to make changes that will improve the quality of care for patients while still saving money.

‘We will seek to do the same in Birmingham as well as in Worcestershire where essential physio services for patients are also under threat.’

Note to editors

For further information please call the CSP press office on 020 7306 1111, email pressoffice@csp.org.uk. Out of hours please call Jon Ryan, head of press and PR on 07917 091200, Ben Wealthy, senior media adviser, on 07771 765172, or John Millington, PR and social media officer, 07766 994141.

1. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the UK’s professional, educational and trade union body. We have more than 54,000 members, including chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and support workers.