About us

Click here to see the executive members list

The Profession

The first Jamaican to be trained in Physiotherapy was Ms. Phyllis Wilson, who returned to Jamaica in 1940, having completed her studies. She worked at the Kingston Public Hospital, the first department to be opened within the Government hospitals. Subsequent hospital departments were opened at the University Hospital of the West Indies, the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre (formerly Mona Rehabilitation Centre), the National Chest Hospital (formerly the George V (Tb.) Sanitorium) and the Bustamante Hospital for Children. The service widened its coverage with the opening of the following departments:

In subsequent years, the clients seen at the departments now closed have been referred to the nearest hospital, or have been seen by private practitioners. Difficulties of identifying personnel to man these departments in the early days was addressed with the opening of the School of Physical Therapy in 1972.

Although many hospitals island wide would greatly benefit from the services, the lack of personnel remains a challenge due to constraints within the Government service. Recent freezing of vacant posts has created many gaps in available services, and placed increased pressure on the hospitals currently offering services. There are also a few other locations at which Physiotherapy is offered, such as the Early Stimulation Programme (Kingston), 3D Project (St. Catherine) and PVO (rural Jamaica). Many private practitioners are scattered across the island, offering office based services, home care therapy and other related services, such as consultations in ergonomic issues and back care, to name a few

In April 1970, with a local membership of nine, the Association was granted membership in the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (W.C.P.T.) at the international congress held in Amsterdam. This membership continues, with Jamaica taking an active role in the North America/Caribbean regional section of the W.C.P.T.

The School

The first, and to date only, training institution within the English speaking Caribbean, opened its doors on November 7, 1972. The School was opened through the sponsorship of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and subsequently taken over by the Ministry of Health and Environmental Control. At that time, the School was run by a Board of Governors appointed by the Ministry of Health. The programme trains persons to the level of a Diploma in Physical Therapy.

The programme is now under the auspices of the University of the West Indies, with the first B.Sc. (Physical Therapy) graduates scheduled to complete their studies in 2004. The current enrollment at the School is:
Class of 2004 11
Class of 2005 11
Class of 2006  9

The School is currently staffed by Miss Carron Gordon (Director), Miss Sonja Williams (Clinical Coordinator) and Ms. Gillian Hudson (Lecturer), along with support staff.

Return to Top