§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to ensure that numbers of physiotherapists working in the NHS rises from 15,600 to 24,800 between 2000 and 2009; and if he will make a statement. [30191]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 25 January 2002]: Our plan to increase the number of physiotherapists working in the national health service by 59 per cent., from 15,600 in 2000 to 24,800 in 2009, was announced in the follow-up document to the NHS Plan, "Investment and reform for NHS staff—taking forward the NHS Plan", (published 15 February 2001).
153WWe will meet this target by a number of measures, including increasing training commissions, a return to practice campaign, promoting flexible, supportive and family friendly policies, and international recruitment.
For basic grade physiotherapists who have done three years training, their starting salary has increased in cash terms by 36 per cent. since May 1997. This includes the 2002 increase which will be payable from 1 April.
For graduates who have done four years training, the increase to their starting pay is 32 per cent. in cash terms since May 1997.