'Devil in the detail' of government priorities, says CSP

The government must ensure solutions to the challenges facing the NHS are available everywhere

Responding to the Shared Delivery Plan: 2015 to 2020, Prof Karen Middleton, chief executive of the CSP, said:

'The ambitions set out in the Shared Delivery Plan are to welcomed and have widespread support from professionals and patients. A relentless drive towards a more prevention-focussed and integrated NHS is critical to save money and improve care.

'However, as always, the devil is in the detail. 

'Clearly the NHS needs more staff and greater investment to translate this plan into reality on the frontline.

'The government must also ensure practical solutions that can address some of the challenges facing the NHS are available everywhere, for instance relieving pressure on GPs by expanding direct access to physiotherapy for people with back pain and musculoskeletal conditions to all surgeries.

This would free up millions of appointments. By introducing a sugar tax, the government could invest in public health and tackle the growing obesity crisis.

'Physiotherapists have a key role to play in delivering seven-day services and keeping people independent, well and out of hospital. 

That's why the decision Health Education England has made to cut the number of training places for physiotherapists is so senseless.'

ENDS

Note to editors

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1. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the UK’s professional, educational and trade union body. We have more than 54,000 members, including chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and support workers.