CSP expresses concern at Essex MSK cuts plan

CSP's Natalie Beswetherick: 'These are troubling proposals that would damage patient care.'

Mid Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is running a consultation over wide-ranging plans to help it meet a £15.6 million savings target for the year.

Among the proposals are three options for the MSK physiotherapy service delivered by social enterprise Provide.

The first option would halt the service entirely, the second would replace it with a telephone-only offering, while the third would allow patients one assessment and one follow-up.

The consultation document says these options would save from £600,000 to £1 million a year.

Natalie Beswetherick, the CSP’s director of practice and development, said she would put the society’s concerns to the CCG this week as Frontline went to press.

‘These are troubling proposals that we believe would damage patient care in the area,’ she said.

‘We recognise the financial strain the CCG is under – like most of the NHS – but fear this is the wrong way to go about addressing those pressures.

‘We are working with members to present alternative ways for the service to continue to meet the needs of its local population while helping the CCG find savings.’

A consultation is running on the proposals and CSP members are encouraged to take part.