Profile for physiotherapy at NHS event 2018

[Picture: Cabinet Secretary Shona Robison (cenrtre) with Kenryck Lloyd-Jones and Sara Conroy]

The professional profile of physiotherapy was raised at the NHS Scotland event at Glasgow SEC this week (18/19 June 2018), at the exhibition stall hosted by the CSP.

Celebrating 7O years of the NHS in Scotland, the theme ‘Delivering now, improving for the future’ was no less relevant to physiotherapy.

The contribution of physiotherapy to the transformation of primary care in Scotland took centre stage, with the expansion of first contact practitioner roles taking on the musculoskeletal caseload in GP practices is increasing across health board areas in Scotland.

The event is attended by senior officials of the Scottish government, health boards and integrated joint boards, as well as stakeholders and partner organisations across health and social care and the third sector.

Shona Robison, Scottish government cabinet secretary for health, took time out to visit the CSP exhibition. She expressed strong enthusiasm for the contribution of physiotherapy in primary care and community rehabilitation, stating she was increasingly aware of the value of services and pledged to improve provision and workforce planning for physiotherapy to meet the needs of patients.

Speaking at the event. Kenryck Lloyd-Jones, CSP public affairs and policy manager for Scotland, said, “We are delighted to have been asked to provide further information to the cabinet secretary on how the Scottish government can improve physiotherapy workforce planning and increase the supply of physiotherapists to meet demand. It’s a real opportunity to engage and share our vision for transforming services.”

The chief medical officer for Scotland, Dr Catherine Calderwood,[pictured] also expressed enthusiasm for the physiotherapy offer in primary care, and spoke with CSP staff about the potential and opportunities following the agreement of the new GP contract in Scotland.

Sara Conroy, CSP professional lead for Scotland said, “We have managed to engage with a number of senior officials on how to progress. Our messages are being heard, and future meetings have been agreed. We know that physiotherapy has solutions to address the challenges and transform and improve services. It’s encouraging to engage in such a positive way about the potential that physiotherapy can offer”