CSP-backed campaign takes rehab message to Westminster

CSP members and staff lobbied MPs and peers in Westminster this week, calling for greater access to NHS rehab services.

Kate Tantam and attendees at the Parliamentary event

The event was part of the Rehab Legends campaign, which uses patients’ first words and footsteps after these injuries or conditions to highlight the life-changing impact of rehabilitation.

The campaign is supported by more than 33 health and social care charities, royal colleges and professional bodies including the CSP, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, Versus Arthritis and the Stroke Association, who are all members of the Community Rehabilitation Alliance (CRA).

Amongst the healthcare workers present at the event was ICU Specialist Sister Kate Tantam who founded the campaign along with Poppy, a therapy dog who helps supports patients on their rehabilitation journey.

CSP's Sara Hazzard talks to Greg Smith MP in Parliament

Kate was joined by physiotherapists and other clinical staff to make the case to politicians at the event, which was co-hosted by CSP president Baroness Finlay and Labour MP – and former physio – Rachael Maskell.

Sara Hazzard, the CSP’s assistant director of strategic comms and co-chair of the CRA, described the event as a ‘valuable opportunity to press the case for rehab at a crucial moment’.

Rehab is certainly making its way up the political and health agenda as more and more people recognise its role in keeping people well and in work, along with improving hospital flow and NHS productivity as a whole.

It was great to be able to speak to the MPs and peers, who were all very supportive and keen to take the message forward.

Diana Johnson MP talks to a healthcare professional in Parliament

 

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