Media releases

A record shortage of physiotherapists in Northern Ireland is threatening patient care according to shocking new figures from the Department of Health. 

The CSP and the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) have joined forces in a campaign to save the hydrotherapy pool at Royal Berkshire Hospital which is under threat of permanent closure at the end of June. 

Commenting on the latest waiting list figures for Northern Ireland, Tom Sullivan, Public Affairs and Policy Manager for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy said,

“It is shocking that one in four people in Northern Ireland is currently on a waiting list. Surgery is often a last resort for people who are no longer able to manage their symptoms and so the impact of this on patients’ physical and mental health will be huge.”

The CSP has welcomed reassurance from the Welsh Government that physiotherapists working in the independent sector in Wales will be able to get Covid vaccinations from their health board.

Reports from across Scotland reveal that rehabilitation facilities are being used for storage space and meeting rooms 

The CSP has expressed concern at reports that the Union Learning Fund (ULF) is facing closure.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in Northern Ireland has welcomed the publication by the Department of Health of the Physiotherapy Workforce Review.

Vacancy rates for physiotherapy posts in Northern Ireland are currently running in excess of 19% across all Trusts. In one Trust the vacancy rate is over 24%.

Dr Catherine Calderwood, the Chief Medical Officer has resigned from the Scottish Government.

New pension measures to help NHS Scotland retain highly experienced staff have been announced.