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A healthcare business in the South of England has launched a recruitment drive for 140 physiotherapists after it saw a 300% increase in demand for its services.

Ascenti, which has clinics in Cotham and St George in Bristol, is looking to double its team of 300 clinicians operating across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ over the next 12 months.

The company is also looking to expand its staff in its offices in Bristol's Queens Square and in Fareham, Hampshire, with the creation of 35 support roles.

The business, which is a partner with more than 20 NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups and 40 private businesses, said there was "surging demand" for its private medical insurance and occupational health services over the past year.

Ascenti added that it was on track to achieve a record revenue in excess of £40m next year and, if it achieved its recruitment target, it would double this within the next few years.

The business said that growth had been partly driven by its pre-pandemic investment in its digital services, allowing it to shift patients appointments online if required.

Ascenti estimates that it currently delivers more than 600,000 in-person and virtual appointments across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ each year.

Stephanie Dobrikova, chief executive of Ascenti, said adding to its staff would ensure the company was "best placed" to keep up with demand, and said the company would welcome applications from physiotherapists looking for a “more flexible role”, to balance lifestyle and family commitments.