An Isle of Wight NHS physiotherapist who has helped shape how frail and older patients are cared for across the UK has been recognised with a prestigious national fellowship.
Dr Esther Clift, Consultant Practitioner at the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, has been awarded a Fellowship of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the profession and her work improving care for older people.
The professional body praised Esther’s ‘major influence on frailty, community rehabilitation and healthy ageing across the UK’, highlighting her leadership in developing a national framework for frailty care.
Her work has helped establish standards, strengthen career pathways and support efforts to provide more healthcare closer to patients’ homes.
Esther received the award at a ceremony in Glasgow on 19th October, joining a select group of physiotherapists recognised for making a lasting difference to the profession.
Reflecting on the honour, Esther has said:
“I have had a chance to reflect on the accolade of the award and feel very thankful for the opportunities and people who enabled me to have such a rewarding and full career.
Article continues below this advertisement “It leads me to consider my own legacy, and the joy of continuing to grow my amazing Acute Frailty Team at the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, who are already having an impact on the lives and health of people living with frailty on the Island.”
Esther’s career in physiotherapy began in London in 1990 and has spanned more than 3 decades.
She joined the Isle of Wight NHS Trust in January 2024 as an Acute Frailty Consultant Practitioner, establishing and now leading a specialist team supporting patients living with frailty.
Her career has combined frontline patient care with service development, teaching and national leadership.
Previous roles include National Specialty Advisor for Older People and Community Services at NHS England, as well as Consultant Practitioner at the former Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, where she developed a team helping older people remain in their own homes when acutely unwell.
Alongside her NHS work, Esther is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Winchester, helping to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals and developing education programmes covering community rehabilitation, healthy ageing and long-term health conditions.
Ian Scrase, Lead Allied Health Professional at the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, has said:
“As a physiotherapy student, I saw first-hand Esther’s passion for improving care for older people and ensuring that what matters to patients remains central to decision-making. That commitment has continued throughout her career.
“Today, as a Physiotherapy Consultant leading frailty services on the Isle of Wight, Esther influences patient care while supporting colleagues, students and the wider development of our profession. Fellowship of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy recognises exceptional contribution and impact on physiotherapy, and I can think of no more fitting recognition of Esther’s sustained influence, leadership and commitment.”
Outside of her professional career, Esther has also dedicated time to voluntary work.
She previously served as a Mission Partner between 1995 and 2002 and is now Chair of Trustees for Caraway, a charity providing chaplaincy and dementia services to older people in Southampton.
