Focus on the NHS and workers' rights must not be lost, CSP says

Catherine Pope, chair of council, and Professor Karen Middleton, chief executive, said:

‘People across the UK have expressed their views and the government must now implement this democratic decision in a calm and considered way.

‘The responsible priorities are clearly to stabilise the economy, which supports our public services, and bring communities together after what has been a passionate debate on both sides.

‘A great deal has been said about the NHS and workers' rights over recent weeks and months because both are key pillars of our society.

‘As negotiations commence, we are clear that the hard-fought-for protections provided by the EU need to be at the heart of this new chapter. Equally, it is critical we campaign ever more rigorously for the investment in the NHS - and the workforce which is its lifeblood - necessary to meet growing demands and ambitions.

‘The risk is that protracted negotiations distract the attention of politicians and decision makers away from developing more prevention-focussed, integrated and accessible health and social care services.  As well as utilising and supporting the dedicated health professionals who work on the frontline. A key task will be ensuring that this does not happen.

‘In the meantime, the daily life of our nation continues. For our part, we will renew our efforts as a professional body to support the excellent work of our 54,000 members, with roots from across the world, to deliver high quality patient care.’

ENDS

Note to editors

For further media information about the CSP please call the CSP press office on 020 7306 1111, email pressoffice@csp.org.uk. Out of hours please call Jon Ryan, head of press and PR, on 07917 091200, or Ben Wealthy, senior media adviser, on 07771 765172.

1. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the UK’s professional, educational and trade union body. We have more than 54,000 members, including chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and support workers.