The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in Northern Ireland has welcomed the publication by the Department of Health of the Physiotherapy Workforce Review.
Commenting on the publication Claire Ronald, Senior Negotiating Officer for CSP NI said,
“I would like to thank the Department of Health staff and the physiotherapy Heads of Service for all of their hard work in producing this document and the acknowledgment that the physiotherapy workforce are essential to ensuring the achievement of the Transformation agenda outlined in “Delivering Together”
The CSP is particularly pleased that the Minister for Health has already announced an increase of an additional 20 undergraduate training places at the University of Ulster for 20/21. However, as the review acknowledges these additional places alone will not address the predicted annual shortfall of 85 outlined in the document.
The CSP is keen to work with the Department on an implementation plan so that the workforce review becomes a living document that can create the transformation we want to see not just a document gathering dust.
We also need to explore ways in which we can encourage those graduates from UK universities to return home for employment opportunities in NI and to develop post graduate and apprenticeship training opportunities to increase the available workforce pool in Northern Ireland.
More than ever physiotherapists will be required as we move forward in the current outbreak of COVID19 and its aftermath. Physiotherapists are critical to the recovery solution in NI due to our unique transferable skills as highlighted during this pandemic and in our key role in rehabilitation pre, during and post COVID19.”
Ends
Notes for editors:
A full copy of the Physiotherapy Workforce Review can be accessed on the Department of Health’s website at the address below:
Tom Sullivan, Public Affairs & Policy Manager, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy NI, Scottish Provident Building, Donegall Square West, Belfast BT1 6JH
Mob: 07779651939
email sullivant@csp.org.uk
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