Editor's comment: raise your profile

That’s a timely message, given the national news about restrictions on the time spent with GPs, the lengthy waits for treatment in A&E and the general pressure on public spending.

 

But do you know how that national story is playing out in your area?  Are your services under threat?  Can you prove you offer a cost-effective service and get the results patients need?

 

‘Fighting back’ (page 16) looks at the lessons learnt from two high-profile cases last year: Mid Essex and Worcestershire. Faced with cuts to services, and with help from CSP officers, members lobbied hard – and with varying levels of success – to protect provision for their patients. The article gives some tips on what to do if your service is under threat. Nothing speaks louder to commissioners than a fired-up member of the public fighting for physio.  That, and having the evidence to show the value of a service.

 

On a more positive note, see the features on physio services that have proved their value (pages 24 and 30). First, an innovative weight management service provides monthly data to its clinical commissioning group. Second, a scheme in Portsmouth that speeds up patients’ discharges has saved the trust £1 million in its first six months. 

 

Could you demonstrate similar achievements in your service? If not, you’d better start thinking fast – before it’s too late!