HC Deb 31 October 1984 vol 65 c1073W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the shortfall in the number of trained occupational therapy, physiotherapy and remedial gymnastic staff for the National Health Service; and what steps are being taken to overcome it.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I have no evidence at the moment to indicate that there is any shortfall in the number of these professions in the NHS, although I will study the results of a number of surveys that are being carried out.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if his Department has conducted any experiments involving occupational therapists, physiotherapists and remedial gymnasts being asked by a local authority for advice and assistance with regard to housing provision for the disabled; if there are any lessons to be learned from such experiments; and what discussions his staff have been having with any of the parties concerned.

Mr. John Patten

No. Occupational therapists are involved by local authorities as a matter of course in the provision of advice on the housing of disabled people. Members of other remedial professions may also be involved from time to time.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if there any unemployed occupational therapists, physiotherapists or remedial gymnasts; if there are any who are underemployed or working part-time; and what steps are being taken to encourage former occupational therapists, physiotherapists and remedial gymnasts to return to the profession.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We do not hold centrally any information about unemployment and under-employment of remedial therapists. At 30 September 1982—the latest date for which figures are available, the following were working part-time in the NHS:

  • 4,310 physiotherapists
  • 1,270 occupational therapists and
  • 50 remedial gymnasts

Recruitment to the remedial professions in the NHS is the responsibility of district health authorities, which provide refresher training courses in conjunction with the respective professional bodies. Should health authorities experience difficulties in recruiting the staff they need we shall consider what steps should be taken to alleviate the problem.