Calling all members to join the 'national conversation' on the future of the NHS

On my visits to physiotherapy services across the UK I am struck by two things – how much our members want the NHS to change so they can offer the best patient care, and just how many ideas they have for doing it. 

by John Cowman

On Tuesday I met with the Department of Health and Social Care ministers to champion the critical role physiotherapy staff have to play in re-shaping the NHS into a neighbourhood health service. 

But we know the government will not only be swayed by the voices of senior leaders – but the volume of voices from the frontline.  

You have so much insight and experience to contribute as the profession at the forefront of person-centred, closer-to-home care.  

I urge you to share those insights with the government as it launches the biggest consultation on the NHS in history. 

If you have anything to say about staffing, workloads, inefficiencies in service connections, administrative burdens, or any other issues affecting your work life, now is the crucial moment to make your voice heard! 

Your views will shape the NHS’s 10-Year-Plan. And I want physiotherapy staff to be in the driving seat of that change.  

You are already working across disciplines and partnering with individuals, communities, and their organisations. If your insights are not included in the consultation, a significant piece of the puzzle will be overlooked. 

To successfully transition from hospital care to community care, there must be substantial investment in community services. It’s essential to incentivise initiatives that motivate commissioners and service designers to create effective healthcare solutions within the community. We need a change to funding so that community services cannot be cut. A key part of this solution is fully using all available workforce and ensuring we have robust data and monitoring in place. 

At the reception with health ministers, I explained to them how physiotherapy staff are innovators, problem-solvers and change makers. You are best placed to see what needs to change where you work, to make life better for patients, and for the NHS workforce.  

Let’s ensure our ideas are heard—many professions will be coming together, and we want the physiotherapy voice to stand out. With personalised, community-based care at the heart of our practice, it's crucial that we make our perspective a priority. 

Don't wait, sign up and make your voice heard

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