Letter: A physio who wants to work

OPINION: It's highly frustrating to read that a shortage of physios might have been linked to a patient's death. Many physios from overseas would love to work here, but the rules won't let them continue in the profession they love. I am a British-qualified "highly specialist" physiotherapist in women's health.

I qualified in 1995 but can't register as a physio here. To register I must prove my competence as an "all round" physio.

My speciality limited my involvement with neurology patients and so this denies my registration. My experience and expertise within my chosen field are, apparently, worth nothing in the registering process.

Even letters from my last hospital, the physio manager, and my department boss won't be considered as evidence of my competence to practise in New Zealand.

There is no facility for me to update my neurology skills separately and the British National Health Service wasn't obliged to allow me to do so before I emigrated. I have been told my only option is to resit my physio degree if I want to work here.

CAROLINE HOLNESS

Whitby

- © Fairfax NZ News