Radiographers and art therapists join opposition to the Health Bill

In a letter to the prime minister chair of the Allied Health Professions Federation Gill Dolbear said the organisation had tried to engage with the government over its plans for NHS reform but did not feel the views of its members had been heard.

She said members had “grave” concerns the “competitive approach” proposed by the bill could discourage integrated care pathways and lead to fragmentation of services. They also felt it was “inappropriate” to impose a top down reorganisation at a time when the NHS was trying to make “unprecedented” savings.

Ms Dolbear wrote: “Therefore we feel we are put in a position where we have no choice but to inform you that the AHPF feels unable to support the bill in its current form. We ask that you listen to, and act on, the concerns raised by us and others whilst there is still time.”

The federation represents 12 professional bodies including the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, the British Association/ College of Occupational Therapists and national associations for drama, art and music therapists.

Their decision to publicly oppose the bill follows calls from the British Medical Association, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives for the bill to be withdrawn.