Physiotherapy is a key factor in maximising independence and dignity for all. Physiotherapists have considerable experience in working across service boundaries and are ideally placed to lead multidisciplinary teams. Ensuring patients can access health services quickly and conveniently relies upon the NHS providing the right care, at the right time, at the right location. The promise of additional investment in NHS physiotherapy services will allow patients to benefit from the considerable expertise in rehabilitation that physiotherapists have developed. Rehabilitation within intermediate care is the key to helping patients, primarily the elderly, to regain an independent lifestyle where possible.
Physiotherapy is one of the primary factors in the successful delivery of rehabilitation.
By providing a bridge between hospital and home, intermediate care has the potential to ease pressures on hospital beds, and cut the cost of institutional care packages by reducing the need for long term care. The stroke discharge team at Newcastle City Health NHS Trust cut the mean length of hospital stay from 22 to 13 days by giving stroke patients the necessary support to return home early. Oaks Villa Rehabilitation Unit in Huddersfield provides integrated short-term residential rehabilitation for older people. Research shows 76 per cent of patients return home, and 87 per cent are still at home after 6-12 months. Physiotherapists, with their considerable experience of working within multidisciplinary teams, are well placed to lead collaborative care services.