CSP responds to King's Speech

The CSP has been actively lobbying the Labour Party in advance of the election to promote better community services, action on the physio workforce and on fair pay.

Commenting on the agenda outlined in the King's Speech, CSP President Professor The Baroness Finlay of Llandaff welcomed its focus on NHS transformation. Singling out its commitments on health prevention she emphasised the role rehabilitation plays in preventing further problems when disease or injury strikes.  

In a speech in the House of Lords, Baroness Finlay continued: 'Rehabilitation is critical to prevention. It reduces pressure on acute and emergency services, reduces social care need, and supports those who want to and can go back into work.

'Today, one in three people’s health conditions would benefit from rehabilitation, and more than a million emergency department attendances a year could be avoided.'

CSP policy director Rob Yeldham  reflected on the range of measures outlined: 'The new government’s change agenda is reflected in the extensive range of new laws being proposed. The public health measures on tobacco are very welcome.

'Physios see far to many patients whose lives are devastated by preventable respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease and cancers linked to smoking.

It was positive to hear commitments to start rebuilding the NHS. Developing better rehab services, and recruiting and retaining the right rehab workforce, will be critical to this

'We are pleased to see that laws to improve rights at work have been included in the parliamentary agenda for the first year of the new government.

'We await the detail of the proposed changes on apprenticeships with interest. Changes must make it easier for employers to create physiotherapy apprenticeships and to supporting the professional development of the rehab workforce from support worker to consultant levels.

'We shouldn’t underestimate the challenges the government will face but this represents a good start.'