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Written question asked by Ruth Jones (Labour) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Calvin Bailey (Labour) on Monday, 7 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence: Physiotherapy

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to increase the numbers of a) civilian physiotherapists, b) regular military physiotherapists, c) reservist military physiotherapists and d) rehabilitation support staff.

Answer

Defence is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces personnel receive the best possible treatment, care and rehabilitation so they are fit to fight and can fight back to fitness. Physiotherapy is a core component of Defence healthcare, directly supporting operational readiness, recovery from injury, and return to duty.

As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), it is critical the national health ecosystem—Defence, the NHS, and the private sector—has the capacity and capability to meet the Nation's needs in peacetime and during conflict.

Defence Medical Command is working closely with the NHS to strengthen medical capability, including rehabilitation and recovery services. Future workforce requirements will be informed by ongoing Defence workforce planning; no decisions have been taken on specific increases to the number of civilian physiotherapists, Regular military physiotherapists, Reserve military physiotherapists, or rehabilitation support staff.

Further, the department is working with Allies, through the NATO Medical Action Plan, focused on addressing priority challenges in workforce; including Allied Health Professionals, such as physiotherapists, and the wider Defence medical workforce.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
21414
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Ministry of Defence Physiotherapy
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk