Physiotherapy First

 

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An NHS initiative will affect Amherst patients aged 18 and older with musculoskeletal (MSK) problems – for example, back and neck pain, sciatica, joint pain in hips, knees, feet, shoulders, elbows and fingers, and trigger finger (fingers stuck in a bent position).

The First Contact Practitioner (FCP) scheme is part of an NHS England High Impact Intervention aimed at supporting GPs.

image depicting physiotherapy

 

If a physiotherapist can provide a more appropriate first point of contact service for an Amherst MSK patient requesting a GP appointment, they will be offered by reception an appointment with a FCP.

It is hoped that diverting particular patient care more appropriately to a physiotherapist, when suitable, will enable our GPs to concentrate on patients with non-MSK and probably more complex problems.

We have a First Contact Physiotherapist who works at Brasted on a Tuesday and Friday. Patients can also be booked an appointment with an FCP working at another local GP Practice on the other days of the week.