The Executive recognises theimportant contribution that allied health professionals (AHPs), includingphysiotherapists, make to the wellbeing of patients throughout Scotland.In partnership withNHSScotland, the Executive is supporting enhanced access to physiotherapy througha number of initiatives tackling recruitment and retention issues set out inthe AHP strategy Future Directions. New figures published on 25 Februaryby ISD show an increase in allied health professionals including physiotherapists,where numbers increased by 13.8% between September 2002 and September 2003.These demonstrate good progress in meeting the Partnership Agreement commitmentto ensure a total of 1,500 extra AHPs.