20 September 2004
Physiotherapists Agree -Health Workers Deserve A Fair Deal
Physiotherapists, like other health workers, need urgent attention to their salary needs, stated Kirsten Davie,
President of the New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists today, in response to the PSA's call for a fair deal for health
workers.
There is a shortage of experienced physiotherapists in the public sector, Ms Davie said, which affects the
rehabilitation of patients in hospitals and in the community, and compromises the release of patients from hospital.
Many DHBs are experiencing difficulties in recruitment and retention of physiotherapists, which comes down to poor pay
and conditions, Ms Davie commented.
Physiotherapists and other allied health professionals (such as occupational therapists, psychologists, and pharmacists)
must be granted better recognition and compensation by DHBs, said Ms Davie.
ENDS