Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has had recent discussions with (a) NHS England and (b) integrated care boards on the potential impact of the adequacy of physical therapy services on patients' cognitive ability.

Department officials hold regular discussions with NHS England on how integrated care boards are commissioning and delivering community health services, which includes physical therapy.

Access to sufficient, high-quality physical therapy is important in supporting patients’ physical function and overall wellbeing. Appropriate, individualised therapy can help to improve mobility, manage pain, and support participation in day-to-day activities. These outcomes may also contribute to maintaining independence and promoting engagement in activity, which can be beneficial for cognitive health and wider quality of life.

The 10 Year Workforce Plan will ensure the National Health Service has the right people in the right places, with the right skills to care for patients, when they need it. The plan will articulate the changes for different professional groups.