A STRUGGLING physiotherapy practice fears it may fold due to the “non-existent” Government support for health-related business.

Katrina Wade, owner of Bodyworks Physiotherapy Clinic, in Severalls Industrial Estate, says she is “deeply concerned” for medical sector businesses including dentists, chiropractors and osteopaths.

“We are among the few organisations to have received absolutely no financial support from the Government during the pandemic,” she said.

“Our clinic in Colchester has grown over the past eight years since we opened and we are now recognised as probably the best in the area.

“We have gained trust and professional confidence from not only our clients, but also GPs and consultants.”

After the UK imposed lockdown conditions, financial relief was announced for businesses large and small.

But not only are medical businesses exempt from any business rate discount, many practices need a building so large they also fail to qualify for small business rate relief.

Mrs Wade fears unlike many retail businesses, physiotherapists cannot carry on selling their services online.

She said many medical professionals refer patients to her clinic for rehabilitative treatment.

“We are extremely concerned that if this pandemic goes on for too long and we are not able to return to work, we are in real danger of not being able to stay afloat and will have to close,” she said.

“Not only will it be a sad day for me, but also for the other 12 staff members who are relying on us being able to see it through.”

She added: “When this pandemic is over, the NHS is going to be stretched to breaking point playing catch up with all the deferred appointments and operations.

“Covid-19 patients will require extensive rehabilitation.

“It is of paramount importance as many businesses in the medical sector as possible are still around to be able to support the NHS.

“I believe that the Government is morally wrong and truly short sighted in not recognising our plight.”

A Government spokesman said “unprecedented action” had been taken to support businesses.

He said: “This includes our various loan schemes supporting hundreds of thousands of businesses, paying 80 per cent of furloughed workers’ wages, tax deferrals and introducing cash grants of up to £25,000 for small companies.

“Our new Bounce Back Loan Scheme will ensure that small firms who need vital cash injections to keep operating can get finance in a matter of days.”