A TOP physiotherapist has criticised health chiefs for closing a specialist physiotherapy service at Farnborough Hospital.

Catherine Pope, who is chairman of Chartered Physiotherapists in Mental Health, has written to Oxleas NHS Trust to ask it not to close a physiotherapy service for 101 mental health patients in Bromley, Bexley and Greenwich.

In her letter she stated: "My understanding is this decision has apparently been justified on the grounds physiotherapy does not appear as a core service in the National Service Framework for Mental Health. There is a growing and persuasive evidence base to show our clinical and cost effectiveness with mental health problems.

"For example, there is now convincing evidence to show exercise can be effective in reducing the symptoms of depression and mortality, improving mood, social functioning, quality of life and to reduce the recurrence of depression."

Mrs Pope also said she was concerned about the future of physiotherapy staff and questioned the trust's argument that patients will be able to get physio from mainstream services.

A spokesman for Oxleas NHS Trust said: "The decision has been taken to close the physiotherapy service as it is not a core part of the Government's National Service Framework for Mental Health. People who need physiotherapy services will receive them from other parts of the health service."

July 8, 2002 12:00