Patients who have pain or stiffness in their joints, spine, muscles or tendons, do not always need to see an orthopaedic consultant.
Often your symptoms can be dealt with by other services. The adult musculoskeletal assessment and management service has been developed to make sure that patients are referred to the most appropriate service.
Who is in the adult musculoskeletal assessment and management service?
The service consists of a team of advanced physiotherapy practitioners, who are able to assess, diagnose and treat complex orthopaedic and spinal problems.
What happens now I have been referred?
An advanced physiotherapy practitioner will make an assessment from the information provided by your doctor. They will decide which service will best suit your needs.
What if the team cannot make a decision from the information provided on the referral?
You will be sent an appointment to attend an advanced physiotherapy practitioner clinic for assessment. At the clinic you will be asked a variety of questions to find out more about your condition and general health. Following this, treatment options will be discussed with you.
A letter will also be sent to your doctor detailing the assessment and management. If you wish to have a copy of this letter, please inform the advanced physiotherapy practitioner at your assessment. If the decision is made that you require a consultant appointment, you will be contacted by the choice team who will discuss where your consultant appointment can take place.
What if I need to change the appointment or I miss the appointment?
If you need to change the appointment, please phone 01244 362998 and we will offer you an alternative appointment. If you miss your appointment, unfortunately you will be discharged and your doctor informed. You will not be offered another appointment until your doctor has referred you back into the service.
Will the advanced practitioner assess me for another condition?
No, they will only assess you for the condition your GP has referred you with.
If you have any further questions please contact the service on 01244 362998
People who access our services are welcome to talk to the Team Manager if they are experiencing any problems with their care.
If you would like this information in another format, please speak to a member of CWP staff or e-mail cwp.info@nhs.net.
August 2018 Version 1. www.cwp.nhs.uk.