Katy Gordon

 

Katy was joined by other party representatives at the launch of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists manifesto today at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. Katy spoke to a number of physiotherapists from around the country, hearing about their experience of working in the multi disciplinary health teams that the Scottish Liberal Democrats have encouraged to develop over the last Scottish Parliament. In discussion with the society’s Policy Officer for Scotland, Kenryck Lloyd-Jones, Katy highlighted the party’s commitment to recruit an additional 500 allied health professionals (AHPs), which includes physiotherapists, podiatrists and occupational therapists and the plan to introduce a total waiting time guarantee of 6 months from accessing primary care to receiving treatment. The party intend to consult on introducing a ‘protection of title’ so that only registered, qualified AHPs can use the title.

She also stressed the importance the party places on preventive health care, with a record of achievement on free eye and dental checks, free personal care for the elderly to allow them to stay in their own homes longer and the smoking ban. As she commented:

“I welcome the society’s manifesto. It chimes very well with what we want to do to improve Scotland’s health. Their emphasis on promoting healthy communities and combating childhood obesity mirrors our manifesto commitments in child health and making health care locally accessible”.