9 February 2022

NHS Borders is delighted to have introduced a new First Contact Physiotherapy (FCP) service, which is improving patient experiences and giving GPs more time for other appointments.

The service, which is part of our Primary Care Improvement Plan (PCIP), can now be accessed in all GP practices in the Borders and aims to assess patients with Musculoskeletal (MSK) issues more quickly, create treatment plans and, where appropriate, refer patients for further investigation.

The service's Physiotherapists have expertise in the assessment and management of MSK conditions, such as soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries, arthritis, problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bones (e.g. tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome) and will:

  • assess you and diagnose what's happening
  • give expert advice on how best to manage your condition  
  • recommend exercises and other approaches to deal with the issue  
  • refer you on to a specialist service, if necessary

Paul Williams, Associate Director of Allied Health Professionals said:

“The development of FCP services across the Borders allows people with MSK conditions to access physiotherapy expertise when they first notice something is wrong.

“As well as being able to offer advice and diagnosis the FCPs can also administer Cortisone injections, reducing the need for patients to travel to the BGH for treatment.

“The team can also refer patients for a course of physiotherapy treatment, order investigations or make referrals to secondary care services.

“We are already seeing the impact of introducing the service across local communities, where it is freeing up GPs to spend more time with other patients. It is giving patients with MSK conditions access to the right care in the right place and is having a positive effect within secondary care where patients are being managed much more appropriately.”

For more information on the FCP service contact your GP surgery or for self-care advice on common MSK conditions visit NHS Inform’s self-help guides here.

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