MSK event reduces NHS waiting list by a third

The event, run in collaboration with the island’s West and Central Primary Care Network, offered timely support to those needing musculoskeletal treatment and invited one third of patients on the MSK waiting list.

There are currently 2,718 people who have been referred but are waiting for an NHS MSK appointment on the Isle of Wight. The event is the first of a series that aims to ensure all people waiting will be offered the opportunity to be seen and get the support they need by February 2025.

Wait lists up to a year

People experiencing symptoms such as neck, back, and foot pain, who may have been waiting up to 50 weeks for an appointment, were able to see clinical specialists and wider community services.

The first community MSK better health day took place at the Riverside Centre on 18 October at which more than 1,000 people were invited to attend. On the day 254 people came along with many more 1:1 appointments or alternative dates booked within the month.

Those that are unable to attend have been offered an alternative appointment. Many of whom will now be seen sooner as the overall list size reduces the wait times.

How it worked

All people attending began the session with a clinical conversation to understand how their problem is affecting them and what matters to them most. From there they were able to choose one-to-one consultations with clinical specialists, treatment and rehabilitation, advice and guidance 1:1 or topic talks, classes, general health checks including annual diabetic screens and access to a wide variety of community services including exercise on prescription, diabetes prevention, mental health services, social prescribing, cancer specialist and frailty specialists to name but a few.

Katie Clough, consultant MSK physiotherapist at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS  Trust, said: 'We were able to host the event in a community centre that houses many services from the voluntary sector and the primary care network, so people are already used to coming there- that makes a lot of difference.

On the day we even had a lot of walk-ins that were not on our books. It shows that people want self-referral, and they know what they need so that tells us that the move to access in the local community is where we need to be.

Diane, who attended the event as a patient, said: 'I’ve been experiencing more pain with my creaky old joints and this service was offered to me and it’s been very enlightening. I’ve been given explanations on ways to manage arthritis. I didn’t realise that if your muscles are strengthened then your joints take less of the brunt of your movement. The person I dealt with was lovely, she was very, very helpful. And a very quick, efficient move through the system very well.'

There are two more community MSK better health days planned for January and February to help make sure that the remaining people on a waiting list are seen and able to access the treatment and support they need.

Katie Clough, added: 'Once we have reviewed this model and improved waiting times, we hope to offer similar ongoing events working with local charities and groups to offer easy access to all, regardless of location, affluence, education or cultural background.'

If this model sounds like it could work in your area, you can join the conversation about the Sussex event on iCSP or leave your thoughts in the comments below. You can also get in touch with Katie through the CSP press office – pressoffice@csp.org.uk.