Paediatric physios warn long waits causing 'irreversible harm' to children

Of the 155 respondents to the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists (APCP) survey, 38 per cent said young patients are waiting far longer than they should for treatment which has implications for their mental and physical health, development and long-term prospects. 

More than a third said that an inability to deliver the rehab that children and young people need has impacted their own mental health. A third said that they had considered leaving their jobs. 

In the wake of the findings, the CSP has renewed calls for a review of paediatric physiotherapy and rehabilitation services to feature in NHS England’s upcoming Ten Year Plan. 

Reasons cited for being unable to deliver diagnosis, treatment and support are multifaceted but include staff shortages, lack of dedicated rehab space or equipment, budget and service cuts, and ignorance from health leaders on the critical need for responsive services for children and young people with one or more long term health condition.   

Georgina Ashdown, vice chair of the APCP, said: 

'Sadly, long wait lists and limited access to physiotherapy, due to staffing shortages and shortages of suitable rehab spaces are causing irreversible harm.  

For us as paediatric physiotherapists, it’s an agonizing reality – we are acutely aware that by failing to provide timely treatment there is a risk to children’s health today, but it's also laying the foundation for far-reaching health, social and economic problems tomorrow.  

'The heart-breaking truth is that while quality rehabilitation can transform young lives when delivered swiftly, what is currently available across acute and community settings simply isn't enough. As we have poor data within this space, services are at risk of being further diluted without broader public recognition.' 

An urgent need for a review

One paediatric physiotherapist who treats children aged 0-16 years old spoke about the impact on children and families: 

'I work with young people and their families after they have had a major trauma or illness. I see the impact of the lack of rehabilitation available close to home every day. We see families whose child has suffered the most devastating injuries changing their and their loved one's lives forever.

'We should be able to say to that family I am so sorry for this awful thing you are going through but there are people close to your home who will be able to help and support you. What we have to actually say is that there will be limited support and to get more you will have to leave your family for 3 months to travel to a rehab centre 200 miles away. 

Sara Hazzard, CSP assistant director and co-chair of the Community Rehabilitation Alliance, said: 

Access to health services is at the heart of health equity. Families should not fear for their child's health and future because they can only get help and rehabilitation if they can afford to pay.   

'More than a third of physiotherapists surveyed report that their inability to deliver critical care is damaging their own mental health, with many contemplating leaving the profession at a time when physios are desperately needed and able to help relieve system pressures. 

'Despite a wealth of qualified graduates, the health service is not creating enough posts to meet the overwhelming demand for care.

'This is why we urgently need a review of paediatric physiotherapy and rehabilitation services to be launched in the government’s Ten Year Plan for NHS England.'