The views of the whole health and social care workforce must be considered when planning for the future, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in Northern Ireland has said ahead of the political health summit due to take place in Belfast on 17 February.
The purpose of this summit is to agree a set of principles to guide the expert panel established by the Minster for Health Simon Hamilton to lead debate on the future configuration of health and social care services in Northern Ireland.
The CSP supports the need for political parties to agree a consensus on the future of the health service in Northern Ireland but believes this must be properly informed by all clinical professions on the front line of service delivery.
The expert panel has no representatives from any of the allied health professions.
Tom Sullivan, Public Affairs & Policy Manager for the CSP in Northern Ireland said,
‘Allied Health Professions represent the third largest professional group in the health and social care workforce (4,670 or 7.5 per cent).
‘It is essential that their experience is available to the panel. The Minister needs to bring onto the panel someone who can contribute this expertise and insight.’
Physiotherapy reduces the pressure on those parts of the health and care system most under stress. It shortens length of stay in hospital for patients, reduces pressure on hospital consultants and GPs, speeds up recovery and reduces long term disability. It has a pivotal role to play at the forefront of the change agenda.
Further information
For further information please contact Tom Sullivan:
Public Affairs & Policy Manager
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy NI
Arthur House
41 Arthur Street
Belfast BT1 4GB
Tel: 028 90446249
Mob: 07779651939
Email sullivant@csp.org.uk
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