Leonard Cheshire provide specialist support to disabled people, including those who have extremely complex care needs.  Established more than 75 years ago, the charity has a wide range of residential care and nursing homes as well as supported living services. This petition outlines the critical importance of maintaining physiotherapy services for young adults with disabilities living at Agnes Court, Banbury. Physiotherapy not only enhances residents’ health, mobility, and independence but also reduces long-term healthcare costs, prevents avoidable hospital admissions, and supports quality of life. Removing this service would pose significant risks to residents’ wellbeing, the organisations reputation, and financial sustainability.

My sister has called a Leonard Cheshire home her residence for nearly a decade. Throughout these years, her reliance on physiotherapy has been crucial for her mobility, fitness, stamina, pain management, and overall well-being. The importance of these services extends far beyond mere physical aid; they support her mental health and ensure her quality of life remains optimal.

The decision to potentially remove physiotherapy services is alarming. Removing such a vital aspect of care threatens to compromise not only my sister's physical health but also her mental and emotional stability. Without access to regular physiotherapy, residents like her could face a decline in health, resulting in increased reliance on medical services, subsequently straining the NHS both in terms of financial cost and healthcare resources.

From a financial perspective, eliminating physiotherapy services as a means of short-term savings is shortsighted. The long-term implications include increased healthcare interventions, longer recovery times from preventable incidents, and a general decline in the quality of life for residents. This could lead not only to higher operational costs for the home in the future, but also add further strain to our national healthcare system.

Physiotherapy is not just a beneficial service; it is a necessity for those who depend on it to lead full and healthy lives. Leonard Cheshire has been at the forefront of providing comprehensive care. Maintaining physiotherapy services is aligned with their mission to support and empower their residents.

We must urge Leonard Cheshire to reconsider this decision and continue to offer essential physiotherapy services. In preserving these services, we uphold the dignity and well-being of the residents and ensure that short-term financial motives do not overshadow their commitment to high-quality care.

Please join me in calling for Leonard Cheshire to retain physiotherapy services. Sign this petition to protect the health and quality of life of the residents who rely on these vital services every single day.