Campaign to restore rehab space shortlisted for major award

The CSP has been nominated in the public affairs campaign category of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations excellence awards which showcase the best of the UK’s communications and engagement talent. 

The restore rehab services and rehab space campaign saw the CSP embark on a range of activities, including a survey of members who reported back the significant impact that the loss of rehab space was having on services and the ability to deliver the best care for patients. 

It was following this valuable insight from members that the policy and communications teams of the CSP were able to secure high-profile media coverage, as well as lobby government officials and ministers. Through sustained pressure on this issue, the UK government pledged to write to NHS trusts to urge them to ensure that space given over for Covid response, was returned and rehab services restored.  

This move, which continues to be pursued by the CSP, demonstrates the CSP’s strategic commitment to lead the movement for rehabilitation. 

Sara Hazzard, CSP assistant director of communications said: 'This important campaign saw teams from across the CSP including workplace organisers and reps, regional engagement officers, alongside policy and communications teams respond decisively to what members were telling them from across the UK. 

By underpinning our activity with valuable member insight, we could evidence and draw attention to the problem.  

'We were encouraged by the public commitment made by Lord Markham to write to every NHS CEO in England.  However, we will continue to keep the pressure on government and other relevant decision makers. 

'Recognition of the excellent work colleagues have delivered is another way we can show the CSP’s determination to champion and lead the calls for rehabilitation.  We will continue to work with our members to influence the governments thinking as it looks to develop sustainable NHS services for the future, and the workforce required to deliver them.'