Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) industrial action

Following the national ballot by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), CSP members at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust met the threshold to take part in industrial action, should they wish to do so.

Some of our CSP members will be taking part in the 24-hour strike action scheduled for Thursday 9 February 2023.

Important information for patients

• Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
• If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. We will contact you directly if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action, offering you an alternative date.
• However, services remain very busy so, as is always the case, the public can help by choosing the right service for their need:
  • If you need medical help or advice, go to NHS111 online unless it’s a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999.
  • Patients should only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency (when someone is seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk
• There is more information on the industrial action on the NHS England website

As is always the case, please help to keep emergency departments for very serious and life-threatening conditions. If you have a less serious health need, there is advice on where to seek support on our website.

Kimberly O’Hara, director of nursing and AHPs for Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust added:

“As the director of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), I recognise the strength of feeling from colleagues across the wider health and care system and, as a Trust, and we fully support our physiotherapists and physiotherapy support workers whether they choose to take part in the planned action or not.

“Physiotherapists are vital to the NHS. It is difficult to describe in few sentences the complexity and expertise of their role. Which spans from those that work in respiratory, aiding movement, rehabilitation, discharge and so much more. We also acknowledge our physiotherapy support workers.

“We encourage people to continue coming forward for medical care, particularly urgent care and please attend your appointments unless told otherwise.”

NHS Medical Director Sir Stephen Powis said:

“This week could be the most disruptive week of strikes in the NHS to date and while local services have worked hard to minimise disruption, the scale of action mean increased disruption is inevitable.

“However, it is vital that people do not put off seeking care and come forward for treatment – using 111 online for non-life threatening care, as well as local pharmacies or General Practice, or dialling 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

“Areas impacted have worked hard to maintain as much routine care as possible so it is also important that anyone with an appointment should continue to attend as planned unless they have been contacted to rearrange.”