Review finds significant weaknesses in Bristol children's physiotherapy service

An independent review has found significant weaknesses in the children's physiotherapy service provided by Sirona Care and Health in Bristol. The review was commissioned after parents raised concerns, some of whom told the BBC that a lack of specialist care was causing their children's spines to deteriorate.

The report says relationships with families were damaged and describes communication breakdowns as one of the deepest sources of mistrust. It also found that workforce losses had created risks around continuity of care and specialist knowledge.

The review recommends strengthening clinical leadership, improving specialist training, and building trust with families.

One mother, Claudia, described the battle to secure physiotherapy for her nine-year-old son, who has cerebral palsy and curvature of the spine. She said it was a huge battle and stressful, and that she had to challenge recommendations in his education, health and care plan. She said the final report included much more physiotherapy, but it took several months to be put in place.

In a statement, Sirona said its focus throughout had been on listening, learning and improving. The organisation said it remains committed to being open about where it needs to do better, while recognising the dedication of staff caring for children with complex needs.

For Claudia, the report is an acknowledgement that things went wrong, but she says what matters now is making sure children get the therapy they need before their condition deteriorates.