Dr Peter Hartley, a clinical academic physiotherapist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, has received a distinguished service award from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) in recognition of his outstanding stroke research and work improving care for frail and older people.
Dr Hartley’s research focuses on the role of physical activity and exercise in helping patients to recover from strokes and the effect it can have on stroke prevention. This includes making use of innovative technologies including wearables to monitor physical activity and ensure stroke patients can receive ongoing care in the community.
He is working nationally to explore current physiotherapy support for stroke patients and exploring changes that could improve patient quality of life.
I am very honoured to receive this award. It was a wonderful surprise. The award reflects how lucky I have been during my career to work with and learn from so many amazing individuals, both clinically and academically.
Dr Peter Hartley, clinical academic physiotherapist
Dr Hartley joined Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) as a physiotherapist in 2010. During his time here he developed his interest in research and, thanks to funding from the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the Vivensa Foundation, he has undertaken a Masters and a PhD, which included studying the effects that hospital stays have on physical fitness.
In addition to his work at CUH, he currently holds a research fellowship at The Healthcare Improvement Studies (THIS) Institute and is a Junior Research Fellow at Homerton College, University of Cambridge.
Dr Hartley credits the unique environment in Cambridge for enabling and supporting his career as an academic physiotherapist. He said:
I came to Cambridge as a newly qualified physiotherapist and hadn’t really thought about research as a career option. I’m very grateful to the likes of Professor Christi Deaton for inspiring that interest in research, and to the CUH physiotherapy team that have supported me through every stage of my journey.
Through his work, Dr Hartley hopes to develop services that do not just help patients to regain body functions following a stroke but that enable them to stay active and reduce their risk of subsequent strokes.
Over 80,000 people are hospitalised each year following a stroke and it is the leading cause of disability in adults. Around 39% of people who have a stroke will go on to have another within the next 10 years.
Inactivity, excess weight and high blood pressure are all factors that can contribute to increased risk of having further strokes and that can be addressed through physical activity.
Peter’s work tackles pressing clinical challenges with compassion and inclusivity at its heart. I’m delighted that his impact has been recognised through this Distinguished Service Award. He is an exceptional role model for the physiotherapy profession.
Joanne McPeake, Professor of Nursing, THIS Institute, University of Cambridge, who is working with Dr Hartley
Many people who have had a stroke live with lasting mobility issues, so the challenge for care teams is finding suitable ways to keep patients active despite the effects of their stroke. This involves developing tailored plans and providing specialist support both in hospitals and in the community.
The award celebrates physiotherapists who have made outstanding contributions to physiotherapy. The CSP is the UK’s national professional body for physiotherapists with over 65,000 members. The award was officially presented as part of the CSP Annual Conference in Newport, Wales.
Peter’s achievements exemplify the very best of our profession. His ability to combine clinical excellence with groundbreaking research and a deep commitment to mentorship has transformed rehabilitation for older people worldwide. By influencing international policy and championing inclusive patient engagement, Peter has not only advanced physiotherapy but also inspired many other clinicians and researchers. We are proud to honour his remarkable contribution.
Chair of the CSP Council, Syliva Wojciechowski