Vol. 398 No. 1
177 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the national situation in relation to physiotheraphy services with specific regard to (a) the current waiting lists and delays in receiving treatment (b) the present staffing levels and details of any extra staff he proposes to recruit and (c) the cost of physiotherapy services nationally.
The great majority of publicly-employed physiotherapists work in hospitals. There is also a limited community-based service. Up-to-date information on waiting lists is being sought and will be forwarded to the Deputy. In general, physiotherapy services in hospitals are provided without significant delays for patients. I am aware, however, that in some areas patients referred to hospitals by general practitioners for out-patient physiotherapy experience a waiting time of several months. Treatment is, of course, provided according to medical need and urgent cases receive priority.
Current physiotherapy employment in the health service is in excess of 400 whole-time equivalent posts. Within present personnel policy, health agencies have autonomy to make necessary appointments within approved employment ceilings and financial allocation. It is estimated that the cost of physiotherapy services nationally is £6.4 million.
