§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will recognise that physiotherapists and occupational therapists and other paramedical staff probably have the most vital role to play in rehabilitation; and if he will consider the possibility of giving them independent contractor status from the point of view of rehabilitation.
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§ Sir George YoungSuccessful rehabilitation depends on the efforts and teamwork of a number of disciplines, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers and others, all of whom may have a vital role in some or all stages of a patient's progress. Overall responsibility for a patient's rehabilitation lies with the doctor in charge. There are some differences among the para-medical professions in the degree of their clinical independence.
Generally, however, within the diagnosis and prescription by the doctor of the aims of treatment, therapists themselves prescribe and carry out the treatments and assessments in which they are trained. Any change in these widely accepted professional inter-relationships would be a matter for the professions concerned.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will reconsider the role of para-medical professions such as the physiotherapists and occupational therapists with regard to rehabilitation of the elderly and the chronically sick; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungIt is widely recognised that the remedial therapy professions have a very important role in the rehabilitation of the elderly and the chronic sick. This applies not merely to treatment aimed at recovery from illness, but also to the prevention of deterioration in vulnerable people so as to help maintain their independence.
If the hon. Member has any particular problem in mind, perhaps he would write to me about it.