CCGs need more physios, society tells MPs

The society has also recommended that CCGs expand self-referral in primary care to reduce pressure on GPs

In a written submission to parliament’s health committee, the society says patients with musculoskeletal problems account for up to 30 per cent of GP appointments.

It points to an evaluation published in Physiotherapy Journal which found that 85 per cent of those patients do not need to see a GP.

The CSP’s comments are a contribution to the all-party health committee’s investigation into primary care in England.

This will examine patient access to services, future models of care and workforce issues, such as recruitment, retention, training, skill mix, contractual models, workload and pay.

The society makes a further four recommendations to the committee:

• CCGs should prioritise improving access to multi-professional specialist teams within primary care
• CCGs should expand the self-referral model of access in primary care – reducing pressures on GPs and putting patients in charge
• Health Education England (HEE) should expand physiotherapy training to meet growing demand in primary care
• HEE should develop the infrastructure for career development of physiotherapists and other professions with significant potential for primary care