§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many whole-time equivalent physiotherapists are working within the NHS in the Province. [187440]
§ Angela SmithPhysiotherapists as at 30 June 2004 are as follows:
Physiotherapists as at 30 June 20041 Number Headcount 790 Whole-time equivalent 653.63 1 Bank staff who cover for staffing shortfalls and fluctuating workloads in order to maintain service delivery are not included in these figures.
§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the number of physiotherapists required in the Province over the next five years. [187441]
§ Angela SmithA review of the physiotherapy workforce in May 2002 estimated that a 4 per cent. growth in the workforce, equivalent to 27 posts, would be required for service developments that have been agreed or are likely to be approved over the course of five years. In January 2004 an update of the original report indicated that the demand issues remained as identified. The position is being kept under review.