Randerson Stands up for Physios and Patients

2.16.14pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 9th Jul 2007

At the same time as physiotherapy waiting times are high, junior physiotherapists are struggling to find employment as physiotherapists. They are often turning to retail jobs to fund the maintenance of their qualifications.

Welsh Lib Dem Health spokesperson Jenny Randerson AM, said "I have taken a personal interest and met with graduates who are desperately trying to keep their skills up.

"I have been informed that 50 graduates from 2006 are still looking for jobs and 114 are about to graduate. Only 25% of the 2007 graduates have jobs so far.

"At a time when over 600 patients are waiting over 24 weeks[1] it is perverse that trained physios are having to work in ASDA stacking shelves.

"I know that once Assembly Members speak directly to those involved at the lobby event tomorrow they will have a greater appreciation of the challenges facing the profession and patients."

Notes:

On July 10th between 10:15 and 12:30 the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is holding a drop in session for Assembly Members in Conference Rooms C and D at Crickhowell House.

Ends/diwedd

[1] And up to 36 weeks (at the end of March 2007) Statistics for Wales

Contact/Cyswllt: Andrew Sherwood 02920 898324