NHS wellbeing scheme 'a win for patients as well as staff', says CSP

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

'If implemented well, this is a win for patients as well as staff.

'When staff are unable to work, appointments get cancelled, waiting times lengthen and ever greater costs are incurred by the NHS.

'We have been calling for staff to have better access to physiotherapy for MSK conditions so welcome this announcement and believe it will play an important role in keep people fit for work and delivering quality services.

‘Physiotherapists are the experts in MSK conditions and in trusts where these services are already available, they are making a significant difference on sickness absence.

'Crucially, this announcement is also a welcome acknowledgment that staff are under enormous pressure and need greater support against a backdrop of deepening financial trouble and rising workloads.’

More information on the new £600m scheme can be found here.

Note to editors

For further media information about the CSP 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, 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.