Healthcare Commissioning Forum

Patients have access to physiotherapy assessment and treatment in all inpatient specialities seven days a week, therefore improving continuity and consistency in the delivery of rehabilitation programmes. They have increased exposure to treatment time whilst in hospital.

This leads to a greater opportunity to share rehabilitation skills with nursing colleagues and has helped to maximise rehabilitation potential for all patient groups. Patients are assessed more quickly at the weekend, i.e. within 24 hours of admission and their rehabilitation is not interrupted. It has also been demonstrated that a significant number of patients are 'physio' ready for discharge one to two days prior to 'actual' discharge.

Satisfaction questionnaires and ongoing surveys show favourable results.

The percentages of patients seen under the 'red' (must be seen) 'amber' (desirable to be seen) 'green' (if there is time) system have improved. There is an element of 'continuity of care' as some staff work in both the acute and community care setting.

The percentages of patients seen under the 'red' (must be seen) 'amber' (desirable to be seen) 'green' (if there is time) system have improved. There is an element of 'continuity of care' as some staff work in both the acute and community care setting.

Audit and evaluation of the project demonstrates an increased compliance with national targets. Stroke patients receive a physiotherapy assessment within 72 hours and fractured neck of femur patients are mobilised on day zero.

For further information please visit: http://www.nhsiq.nhs.uk/media/2396777/physiotherapist_northumbria.pdf