Member briefing

The briefing, available as a PDF download, outlines the key elements for the profession emerging from the NHS Next Stage Review process undertaken in England. It also signposts the implications for the profession in a number of other recent Government reports. This briefing outlines the opportunities presented for physiotherapy and other Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) to promote their combined - and individual - contributions to health and well being service delivery. The principles and priorities emerging from the Next Stage Review will influence thinking and planning across the UK, and have far reaching implications for all physiotherapists, not just members working in the NHS in England.

Later this autumn, key decisions will be made at a local level about the commissioning of services. Primary Care Trusts (PCTS) will be finalising their plans - responding to the aspirations set out in their Strategic Health Authority Vision documents. It will be a critical time for physiotherapists - we need to engage with regional and local planning and decision-making. There may be opportunities for some members to engage with Strategic Health Authority contacts to help influence their overall vision and workforce planning arrangements.

This briefing will help you. It is the start of a CSP programme designed to support members to engage effectively with the changes proposed within the NHS Next Stage review, and to help members influence plans and decisions at local level. While this review is focussed on England, the message around quality and continuous improvement underpins the proposals being discussed in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so members in those countries should also find the content of some use, as should members working in private practice and the independent sector. The CSP plans to provide a programme of workshops, and further briefing documents will be available including a briefing on the potential employment implications of the Next Stage Review and the draft NHS Constitution.