First Contact Practitioner Service

First Contact Practitioner Service

We are delighted to announce we now have a “First Contact Physiotherapy service”. First Contact Practitioners (FCP) are advanced musculoskeletal practitioners with extensive expertise. 

The First Contact Practitioner (FCP) role has been introduced to streamline care for patients with MSK problems and to increase capacity within and improve access to primary care (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy). This role puts expertise in GP land,  at the start of the patient’s journey, at the place they are most likely to seek help first (Health Education England, NHS England and NHS Improvement, NHS Long Term Plan CSP, 2021).

“First Contact” means that you can go direct to a highly trained Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist for an assessment without needing to see a doctor!  They have additional training to ensure that nothing more serious is missed.

The First Contact Practitioner will be able to:

  • Assess you and diagnose what’s happening.
  • Request investigations when necessary and interpret results.
  • Give expert advice on how best to manage your condition, including analgesia, fit notes.
  • Refer you on to specialist services or to a member of the primary care team,if necessary.

When to see our FCP - Chartered society of physiotherapy promotional video - https://vimeo.com/574370220

Introduction to FCP - https://youtu.be/eP62fc8_IEc

What FCP can offer you - https://www.csp.org.uk/system/files/documents/2020-07/FCP%20implementation%20leaflet%20-%20FINAL%20cropped.pdf

 

You may be eligible for an appointment with a FCP, if  you meet the following criteria:

  • All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains, or sports injuries
  • Arthritis – any joint
  • Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bone, e.g., tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains
  • Spinal pain including lower back pain, mid-back pain and neck pain
  • Spinal-related pain in arms or legs, including nerve symptoms, e.g., pins and needles or numbness
  • Changes to walking
  • Post-orthopaedic surgery
  • Steroid injections (Scope of FCP in practise)
  • Proof of sickness related to above conditions
  • Painkillers for the management of above conditions.

 

Exclusion criteria -

  • Patients that are acutely unwell
  • Children under 16
  • Medical management of rheumatological conditions
  • House-bound patients
  • Medication reviews for non-MSK conditions
  • Neurological and respiratory conditions
  • Headaches

 

How to book an appointment