Editor's comment: back to work

And it comes as NHS England released a statement by chief executive Simon Stevens, saying that NHS staff should have access to physiotherapy in their workplace. 

 

From April, the statement said, hospitals and other providers of NHS care in England will for be eligible for additional funding of up to £600 million country-wide to improve the support they offer to keep frontline NHS staff healthy.

Among the measures they will be encouraged to introduce is rapid access to physiotherapy service for staff with musculoskeletal (MSK) issues. 

 

Public Health England estimates the cost to the NHS of staff absence due to poor health is £2.4 billion a year – around £1 in every £40 of the total budget. Given that the age of the workforce is set to rise, due in part to pension changes, there will be an increasing need for more support to help people continue in their jobs.

 

And across Britain, it is estimated that 9.5 million days a year are lost due to work-related MSK disorders. Imagine the role physio staff have in addressing that need.

 

So, the feature on the work of CSP member and award-winner Heather Watson is timely. As part of the occupational health team in her trust, she’s helping injured NHS staff avoid long-term disability, getting staff back to work safely, and saving £5 for every £1 it costs.

 

What better advert for physio services could you want?