The SEQOHS accreditation system was extended in April to physiotherapy OH services.
The move by the Royal College of Physicians and the Faculty of Occupational Medicine follows, but is not connected to, launch of revised SEQOHS standards in April (OH News, May 2015).
The decision to extend the opportunity to gain accreditation to physiotherapy OH services came after a pilot was run by SEQOHS and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics (ACPOHE).
The pilot tested how applicable the SEQOHS standards and accreditation process were for physiotherapy OH services.
Initially, accreditation will only be open to standalone physiotherapy OH services.
Anyone interested in putting themselves forward should visit the SEQOHS website or email the SEQOHS.
Dr Sally Coomber, clinical lead for SEQOHS, said: “The expansion of the scheme is an exciting development for SEQOHS. Through close partnership working with ACPOHE, we have developed many ways to support physiotherapy services to help raise the standard of care and we look forward to the first physiotherapy occupational health service training day this summer.”
Mark Armour, honorary chair of ACPOHE, added: “Occupational health physiotherapy has made great strides in the past few years and it has gained improved recognition and working relationships within the occupational health world. The SEQOHS standards will allow OH physiotherapists to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and quality.”
Since its launch in 2010, 150 OH services had (as of November last year) been accredited by SEQOHS, with more than the same number registered and working through the accreditation process.
