The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for England, Chris Whitty, has published his annual report, highlighting the health challenges posed by the country's ageing population.
The CSP has welcomed the report, which focuses on areas such as falls prevention, physical activity and maintaining independence into old age.
Responding to the annual report, Karen Middleton, chief executive of the CSP said: 'We welcome the publication of the CMO’s annual report, with its clear focus on the country’s ageing population and prevention. To echo the CMO’s sentiment on living well in old age, physiotherapy has a vital role in adding life to years and, where possible, years to life.
'There is a clear message to the medical profession in this report that growing multi-morbidity requires more generalists than specialists. This is something that the physiotherapy profession has recognised and is adapting our training to.
It is also encouraging to see physio specifically mentioned in the report, particularly around falls prevention, with independence and physical activity also key themes where physio plays a pivotal role, running throughout the report
'The geographical challenges highlighted speak to the need for investment in community rehabilitation, and for it to be accessible closer to where people live, not just in acute hospitals or major population centres. This aligns with the CSP’s belief that everyone has a right to rehab, no matter where you are in the country.
'Any investment in rehab services, however, must include the workforce to deliver them. By highlighting AHPs throughout the report, it sends a clear message that investment in these essential roles must not be overlooked.'
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