Nearly half of English NHS trusts lack dedicated funding for maternity cover

Source Summary

Analysis by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy found that 49% of English NHS trusts have neither dedicated budget nor policy to cover staff on maternity leave. Physiotherapy services are reported to be particularly affected compared with other healthcare areas such as nursing.

Why it matters

Lack of dedicated maternity cover funding creates service gaps and workforce pressure in NHS trusts, with physiotherapy services facing particular strain.