A warning has been issued about a shortage of physiotherapists in Northern Ireland over the next five years.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists said hospital waiting lists in the province were the highest in Europe and that plans to increase the number of physiotherapists by 4% over the next four years would result in a significant shortfall.

Tom Sullivan, the policy officer for the CSP said a predicted increase in demand for treatment in Britain and the Republic of Ireland would have a knock on effect.

"That has to have an impact on the ability of the trusts here to recruit physiotherapists in the future as there will be a greater concerted effort from those other regions to recruit physiotherapists to meet their demands," he said.

We need to see a realistic assessment of what the future demand for physiotherapists is likely to be

Tom Sullivan CSP

A report by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has identified resources for a 4% increase in the number of physiotherapists by 2006.

Similar reviews in England, Wales, and the Republic Of Ireland recommended increases of 59%, 51%, and 100% respectively.

"Evidence would indicate that early access to physiotherapy will obviously benefit patients and will help reduce waiting lists," added Mr Sullivan.

"We need to see a realistic assessment of what the future demand for physiotherapists is likely to be and what the numbers of physiotherapists to meet that demand is likely to be to the same quality as other regions."