The key change will be freeing up more face-to-face appointments available at different times, including evenings and weekends from the service provided by Vita Health Group. Alongside routine care, people will also still be encouraged to access the hugely popular getUBetter app for best self-care at home, work, and on the move.
GPs and physiotherapists have worked together to develop the service to improve physiotherapy treatment for patients, based on the experience of service users and local people’s views.
This will be great for people who will now be able to choose the best clinic and appointment times to suit them.”
Dr Nicola Williams, Planned Care Clinical Lead for NHS South West London
Dr Nicola Williams, Planned Care Clinical Lead for NHS South West London, said: “One in three people live with a condition such as arthritis or back pain and can face symptoms including pain, stiffness, limited movement, and disability, which affect their quality of life and independence. This will be great for people who will now be able to choose the best clinic and appointment times to suit them. It will also help give people the knowledge and confidence for better long-term health to make daily life easier.”
We want to ensure people can stay active, and age well by having the best treatment for their conditions.”
Ben Wanless, Consultant Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapist at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Ben Wanless, consultant musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapist at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust added: “We want to ensure people can stay active, and age well by having the best treatment for their conditions and are empowered to manage it so it doesn’t get worse. We are working closely with Vita Health Group to improve patient experience and ensure wherever people are treated for their bone, muscle, and joint symptoms they get the same quality of care”
The app, which is already being successfully used by Wandsworth residents, covers all common muscle, bone, and joint issues, including back, leg, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain and soft tissue injury. Many MSK problems can be managed at home through self-management by providing people with early access to the advice and information they need. The app has been designed by clinicians in emergency care, GPs, physiotherapists, and orthopaedic consultants.
Do not delay if you have a joint, back or muscle problem download the app or contact your GP. If you’re registered with a Wandsworth GP, you can register to use the free app. Simply follow the link, enter your email address, and select your condition. You will then be sent an email with all the information you need to sign up and get started. You can access getUBetter by downloading their app, or via the web.
And if you do need to see a physiotherapist, you can still access treatment from St George’s Hospital or Vita Health Group in the same way -anyone over 16 can speak to their GP practice or can refer themselves directly by signing up to the getUBetter app, if 18 or over.