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NHS England (NHSE) has made significant changes to the roadmap process for first contact physiotherapists (FCPs) working in primary care. While there has been no national announcement, we are aware these changes are being shared in some regions. The changes affect FCPs currently undertaking the portfolio route of the FCP roadmap – originally established by Health Education England (HEE) now NHSE Workforce, Training and Education team (NHSE WTE) – those about to do so, and members currently acting as supervisors in the process. This blog sets out the changes in more detail, our position and

A train chugging along slowly, filled to the rafters with people forced to leave their homes - their whole lives - separated from their families. Their direction of travel was based on their faith, Hindus and Sikhs came together travelling east while Muslims migrated west. The partition of India in 1947 was the largest mass migration event in history with millions of people displaced from their homes, widespread riots and thousands of deaths. Those who once lived together as neighbours became divided by their religion. The consequence of the dissolution of the British Raj was like a dagger

At the end of June, health and social care staff in Northern Ireland will once again be the lowest paid in the UK. The CSP has now opened a consultation to assess if members would consider taking industrial action over our lack of a pay award. In the midst of political stalemate it can be tempting to ignore the e-mails from the CSP and to think "what can we can do to make any change" or “what’s the point”. But, it is really important we make our voice heard. The CSP is continuing to work with other unions with members in health and social care in Northern Ireland, to try to improve the

The CSP welcomes the Labour health mission in which party leader Keir Starmer detailed the desire to lead a tech revolution in the NHS In England including increased use of the NHS App, patient-focussed booking of appointments, fully digital health records, use of AI, genomics, incentives for innovation, and more. While we welcome the intention to use digital technology to drive improvement in healthcare provision, there has been a growing workforce of clinical and technical staff trying to do this for a number of years already with varying levels of success. Members of the physiotherapy

Watch members mobilise around fair pay, recruitment and retention in physiotherapy H ealth union s’ preparations to take collective action brought the Scottish government back round the negotiating table, and delivered a revised pay offer that was accepted by our members. Now, most unions have been decided to pause their threatened Welsh NHS strikes, to allow for consultation s on a new pay offer. While t he struggle for an improvement in England’s pay award remains ongoing against an intransigent UK government – now is clearly a crucial moment for workers to realise their collective power

The CSP therefore understands the importance of those working in the independent sector and values its self-employed members. Having been a self-employed member this is particularly important to me. I started my career as a junior physiotherapist in a small MSK private practice in west London. My experiences at the time have massively shaped my professional journey up to now. Supporting patients through their recovery or helping them manage long-term conditions, often as a first point of contact, was both daunting and exhilarating. Due to the support I received, I learnt quickly and safely

Self-employed physios and small business owners have limited options when it comes to the fees insurers, or their intermediaries, are willing to pay. Most physios have to take what is on offer. There is no negotiation as the power in this market is entirely one sided. This is the real market abuse, not the prospect of physios seeking a fair deal from insurers. Seeking routes to change Many independent practitioner members want the CSP, as their union, to negotiate with insurers on their behalf, just as we do with employers. For many years we have advised this isn’t possible for legal reasons

The Scottish government's latest offer can be seen as a significant step forward that provides a solid pay rise for almost all members. It can also be acknowledged as below the current level of inflation for all but the lowest paid bands, and falling short of what we hoped for. Our job as the CSP pay sub-committee of members is to look at all the evidence – economic, industrial, political – and reach a conclusion as to whether or not the offer could be improved through further negotiations or, as a last resort, strike action. Having considered all that evidence, we believe this is an offer

Some of our nursing colleagues are due to go on strike 15 and 20 December. Other unions representing healthcare staff – including Unison, Unite and the GMB – have also announced the outcome of their industrial ballots, and have started to announce further December strike dates. If healthcare workers are taking industrial action in your employer, how can you show solidarity? Offering moral support is a good start. When you go into work, stop and talk to any staff on a picket line – discuss their cause and say you are with them. The CSP ballot in England and Wales will have closed when our RCN

Progress on rehab? On Wednesday Stephen Barclay set out his vision for the NHS in England. He highlighted an earlier announcement of £500million to address delayed discharge. Access to rehab helps people out of hospital, prevents readmission and improves quality of life. In his comments he specifically suggested that local bodies can use this funding to pay for physios to support people at home. The CSP has long argued for better community rehab services, and the inclusion of this is a sign that we are having traction within NHS England. It is a success for us and a good step in the right