NI physiotherapist shortage revealed

A review by the Department of Health has revealed that the number of trained physiotherapists in the north will only rise by 4% over the next five years.

Reacting to the news, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) said it was "very disappointed" that projected rise was so low, especially so as similar reviews in England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have projected increases of 59%, 51% and 100% respectively.

CSP Policy Officer for Northern Ireland, Tom Sullivan, said: “The CSP is very disappointed at the projected increase in the number of physiotherapists, particularly at a time when waiting list figures for Northern Ireland are the highest in Europe. And when evidence would show that early access to physiotherapy benefits patients and can help reduce waiting lists.

“These very low projections must be assessed within the context of the major changes currently being considered in the planning, commissioning and structure of health care services across Northern Ireland. These reforms will require a major expansion in the number of health professionals across all disciplines.

“Our recruitment problems will be compounded further by the fact that other regions have announced significant increases in the number of physiotherapists. The Republic of Ireland has projected a 100% increase in the number of physiotherapists and has called for 'concerted recruitment from overseas'."

A shortage of physiotherapists is also likely to impact on the provision of services for specific groups of patients, in particular those requiring intensive rehabilitation, such as stroke patients.

Andrew Dougal, Chief Executive of the NI Chest Heart & Stroke Association has already urged the government to ensure that adequate numbers of physiotherapists are trained and in place to ensure that stroke clients get the best chance of return to normal living.

Stroke is the largest single cause of disability in Northern Ireland, and the most frequent request from stroke clients and carers is for additional physiotherapy. Lack of physiotherapy would likely reduce the possibility of achieving optimal rehabilitation for many stroke clients.

(MB)