NHS planning guidance welcomed by CSP

The guidance sets out how NHS trusts and boards must allocate their resources in order to meet the ambitions of the intermediate care framework. This is a vital part of ensuring that rehabilitation services are in place to deliver the best care and outcomes for people receiving treatment.  

Among the central elements to the guidance is a focus on workforce.  

Rachel Newton, head of policy at the CSP said: “It is essential that there are safe and effective staffing levels to deliver rehab and intermediate care, including physio staff.

Physiotherapy and rehab teams in hospitals and in the community are vital to the productivity of urgent and emergency care.

"Addressing therapy staffing levels is critical to improving patient flow through hospitals and avoiding admissions. Most importantly it is essential to ensuring that people receive the rehab they need to safely return home and avoid the trauma of further admissions.”  

The guidance outlines the continued need to get NHS services back to pre-pandemic levels, with part of the focus also being on ensuring access to community services and primary care.  

Rob Yeldham, director of strategy, policy and engagement at the CSP said: “The focus on continuing to improve access to community-based services is welcome. 

By providing services outside of the acute hospital setting, we’re better able to ensure that those hospitals are available for the sickest people.

"This is ultimately about making sure that the right care is provided at the right time, in the right place, to ensure the best outcome.”