"The physiotherapy is thin on the ground."

Thank you for your feedback, and I am pleased to read you found nursing staff to be excellent, kind and caring towards you. I am sorry you were disappointed by the physiotherapy service, and without the detail of the ward you were admitted to I can only offer a general response to your concerns.

When patients are referred for physiotherapy, it is often the case that they expect to see a physiotherapist each day, and for long periods of time to be certain of benefitting from the service and making a good recovery. However, this is not always necessary. The role of the physiotherapist is to assess patients and provide, where appropriate, a programme of activity and specific exercises for patients to undertake under supervision (and help if required). Physiotherapists will work with and through colleagues in the ward / care team to encourage patients to follow the prescribed programme, and to undertake all activities as independently as possible. For example, ward / care staff will assist patients to stand to transfer rather than use a hoist, to walk short distances, to dress and undress etc and generally encourage mobility and independence. All of these activities constitute a part of the physiotherapy programme, whilst not directly being carried out with the physiotherapist. Physiotherapists will guide and advise ward / care staff should there be any difficulties or concerns, and will always review and update the programme with patients.

We are aware that patients may not recognise much of this work as 'physiotherapy', and we ask staff from the time of admission to be open, honest and realistic with patients about what patients can expect, when and by whom. We have also worked with referring hospitals to ask that staff give patients accurate information about the services they will receive when admitted to Moseley Hall Hospital or West Heath Hospital to avoid disappointment.

I can also advise you that we are currently recruiting to a physiotherapy vacancy which exists on one of the wards at West Heath Hospital, and again without the detail of the ward on which you stayed, I am not sure whether the existence of a vacancy impacted on your experience of West Heath Hospital.

If you wish to discuss your experience further and seek additional feedback, please do not hesitate to contact Sue Slade from the PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) team who will be able to assist you (free phone 0800 917 2855).