Physiotherapists say certain groups of patients are particularly badly affected. Without access to these services, many patients desperately trying to recover from the disease were “stuck in a downward spiral,” they said, with some developing other health conditions as a result. A new report by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) says millions of people in marginalized communities, including those from ethnic minorities, are not only more likely to live shorter lives, but also spend more of their lives struggling with health difficulties . Vital services that could address these inequalities are either unavailable or ill-equipped to meet their needs, the report warns, adding that “some communities face particular barriers”. Professor Karen Middleton, chief executive of CSP, said: “Rehabilitation services have been under-resourced for decades and were not consistently designed to begin with. This has exacerbated poor health outcomes, particularly for people from marginalized groups. “It’s not just the person who suffers. Without adequate access to rehabilitation, health conditions deteriorate to the point where more and more pressure is eventually placed on strained local health systems and other public services. “We desperately need a modernized recovery and rehabilitation service that adequately supports patients after a health crisis and prevents the development of other conditions.” People who face “systemic discrimination and marginalization” and those who live in poor communities are more likely to miss out on addiction, the report says. The CSP said access to high-quality rehabilitation services must be improved to avoid “further entrenched health inequalities facing millions”. People are living longer with long-term conditions and after cancer, stroke or heart disease. When people are dealing with a long-term condition, their future health and well-being “makes a significant difference”, according to the report. However, the authors cautioned: “It should be universally available as part of the treatment not to be missed. But right now millions are losing. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. “Without rehabilitation people can get stuck in a downward spiral where having a long-term condition leads to other health conditions, including further long-term conditions, with loss of mobility and poor mental health and multiple treatment regimens. “Ensuring access to everyone who needs rehabilitation can reverse this downward trend.” It emerged on Tuesday that thousands of physiotherapy staff in England and Wales will vote for industrial action after overwhelmingly rejecting this year’s NHS pay award. The CSP said almost 80% of those who voted in England said they were ready to take industrial action, with 83% in Wales. The CSP board recommended that members vote in favor of the action. A decision has already been made to vote in Scotland.
