General information
Our Musculoskeletal (MSK) service includes Outpatient Physiotherapy, Biomechanics (MSK podiatry), MSK hand therapy* and Musculoskeletal/ Orthopaedic Assessment and Triage Service (MATs).
We offer:
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Comprehensive assessment of MSK-related conditions
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Exercise therapy
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Manual therapy (hands-on treatment)
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Health Coaching (lifestyle management) and other talking therapies
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Workplace and ergonomic advice
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Classes
*Specialised MSK hand therapy services are not available in every area at present
How do I refer my patient to the MSK service?
If you use SystmOne, you have a choice as to how you can refer your patients to us. You can quickly and easily send a direct SystmOne referral to us (this will be avaliable to all of Norfolk and Waveney imminently) or you can refer your patients using this form and send completed forms to nowmsk@ecchcic.nhs.uk
If you are a non-SystmOne user, you can refer your patient using this form and send completed forms to nowmsk@ecchcic.nhs.
*This form is in the process of being uploaded to your clinical systems and should be available soon, if not already available.
Who can I refer to the MSK service?
MSK physiotherapy:
• Great Yarmouth, Waveney and North Norfolk: Any patient 12 years and over with an MSK-related issue.
• Norwich and South Norfolk: Any patient 11 years and over with an MSK-related issue.
• West Norfolk: Any patient 16 years and over with an MSK-related issue.
MSK biomechanics:
• Great Yarmouth, Waveney and West Norfolk: Any patient with MSK related foot and ankle issues 5 years and over.
• Norwich, South and North Norfolk: Any patient with MSK related foot and ankle issues 16 years and over.
Musculoskeletal/ Orthopaedic Assessment and Triage Service (MATS):
• Any patient 18 years and over.
Who can I not refer to the MSK service?
We do not accept referrals for non-MSK related issues e.g. pelvic health or neurological conditions.
These referrals, if received, would be returned to the sender with advice on a more appropriate referral destination.
Can my patient/s refer themselves to your service?
We would encourage patients to self-refer, thereby releasing clinical time for GPs, nurses and hospital colleagues
Exceptions to self-referral:
- Patients under the age of 16 years old.
- Patients with pronounced communication and/ or learning difficulties.
- Patients requiring home visits.
How do I refer to the MATS team (formally known as the Musculoskeletal/ Orthopaedic Triage Team)?
The NHS e-Referral Service (Choose and Book) can only be used for patients who are being referred to the Musculoskeletal Assessment and Triage service (formerly known as Orthopaedic/MSK Triage) for secondary-care referral assessment.
This should also use the new standardised referral form which should be completed and attached into the NHS e-Referral Service submission (previously Choose and Book) – selecting the option “Norfolk & Waveney Musculoskeletal Assessment and Triage Service (MATS)”.
*This form is in the process of being uploaded to your clinical systems and should be available soon, if not already available.
How quickly will you triage the referral/ self-referral?
We aim to triage all referrals regardless of type within 24-48 working hours of receipt.
How will you contact my patient after they’ve been referred/ self-referred?
Following clinical triage, we will contact the patient via their chosen method of communication i.e. SMS or letter to invite them to book their appointment.
We aim to contact patients triaged as urgent within 24 hours
We aim to contact patients triaged as routine within 6 weeks.
How do patients book their appointments?
We offer a choice of how patients can book their appointments with us.
Option one: Booking online via the Airmid app
Option two: Booking via our call centre on 01493 809977
All patients are encouraged take the responsibility for booking their own appointments. As such, once under our care, we offer a patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) system for ongoing appointments.
What should I do if patients have an issue with the MSK service?
We aim that once a patient is under our care that we will take responsibility for all of their needs related to their rehabilitation.
If your patient has a concern, question or an issue with any aspect of the MSK service and their care, please encourage them to contact us on 01493 809977.
