Waiting times for musculoskeletal care slashed in pilot study

A pilot study in Newcastle has cut waiting times for people with muscular and joint problems and could save the NHS millions of pounds if widely adopted.

The scheme saw all physiotherapy referrals routed via a referral management centre to triage patients to the most appropriate care.

Physiotherapy services were set up in GP surgeries so that people didn’t need to go to hospital, and specialists were made available within the community.

Overall, 62% more patients were treated than two years before. Referrals to neurosurgery fell by 44% and orthopaedics by 40%.

“The pilot has been a great success – increasing the number of patients receiving treatment, improving the quality of care and saving the NHS money,” says local GP, Dr Guy Pilkington. “I would recommend that any hospital trust or CCG wanting to improve the service they provide in tough economic times should have a good look at the example of this pilot.”