The introduction of ‘first contact’ physiotherapists at GP practices in the Morecambe Bay area have enabled over 200 patients to be seen since November 2018.
The new clinics are being trialled at Bay Medical Group in Morecambe, Ashtrees Health Centre in Carnforth and Ulverston and Dalton practices.
Charity Bamforth, a First Contact Physiotherapist in Ulverston, sees up to 14 patients a day offering 40 minute sessions. She has seen more than 100 patients since November 2018 and only six of these patients have been referred on to the Integrated Musculoskeletal Service (iMSK) service and Outpatient physiotherapy.
Patients suffering from musculoskeletal problems such as back and knee pain and sprained ankles can refer themselves to First Contact Physiotherapists when they make an appointment at their GP surgery. The physiotherapists can offer patients advice, exercises and information on managing their condition.
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