CSP responds to NHS workforce strategy

The document highlights recent growth in the NHS workforce and also touches on the upcoming challenges over the next ten years. Karen Middleton, chief executive of the CSP, said: ‘We welcome the fact that a joined up workforce strategy is now being discussed. The CSP will discuss the proposals with members over the coming months and respond formally in due course. ‘Healthcare needs 4000 more physiotherapists to fill current vacancies. There have been positive developments with more students being trained in England and Wales, but we need more training places to meet service needs. ‘We need to see support for the development of the physiotherapy workforce including the development of advanced practice roles and access to in-service training, including for physiotherapy support staff. ‘We are keen to understand proposals for more flexible working. We also need to understand the plans for overseas staff and those returning to practice.’ HEE report that the final Workforce Strategy will be published in July 2018, to coincide with the NHS’s 70th birthday.

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