A recruitment drive for an intake of physiotherapists has been launched – to help offset growing pressures on health and social care.

As previously publicised, primary, community and secondary care services are currently experiencing winter pressures in the middle of summer.

Part of the pressure on GP and primary care services – as well as emergency departments – is patients presenting with musculo-skeletal (MSK) conditions.

MSK conditions affect the joints, bones and muscles, and also include rarer autoimmune diseases and back pain.

Funding has been set aside to swell the ranks by creating 22 new permanent posts across Lanarkshire.

Ruth Currie, NHS Lanarkshire Deputy Head of Physiotherapy & MSK Lead said: “Attendances at emergency departments are at record levels and GP practices in Lanarkshire are busier than ever, reporting a 30 to 50 per cent increase in calls compared with pre-pandemic levels.

“We know that one, specific cause of this increasing pressure is from patients presenting with MSK conditions.

“It is understandable that many people may have put off getting health care during the pandemic to protect the NHS. However, as restrictions ease, many of these people are now seeking a diagnosis or treatment.

“Our health services are open and we are here if needed – that’s why we’re taking these steps to bolster our workforce.

“I must stress, however, we also need people in Lanarkshire to be aware of these ongoing challenges, continue to work with us and use sources of self-management and self-referral routes available.”

The recruitment drive has launched in tandem with a new Physiotherapy MSK website. The site hosts comprehensive information on what physiotherapy can offer as well as useful advice and exercises. These exercises and videos provide patients with an easy-to-use guide on how to manage common MSK conditions.

Patients, or friends/relatives on the patient’s behalf, will also be able to complete an online form to self-refer to NHS Lanarkshire Physiotherapy.

Due to demand, people are encouraged to trial the self-management advice, where appropriate, before self-referring.

Craig Cunningham, Head of Commissioning and Performance, for South Lanarkshire Health and Social Partnership said: “Our capacity is focused on those in greatest need and we continue to see patients with urgent issues across every specialty, including MSK.

“Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, however, will take years, not weeks or months.

“This recruitment drive has been launched to help alleviate some of the immediate pressures – and the successful applications will be part of the longer term fabric of health and care going forward.

Mr Cunningham continued: “Although this is one example of clear action we are taking, generally speaking  –  and to allow hospital staff and GPs to focus on more urgent care  –  it is imperative people consider alternative options, such as self-care, pharmacy, minor injury services, community opticians and dentists.

“In most cases, if you use the right service, you can be seen and treated quicker.

“In specific terms, the MSK web resource offers a good source of self-management advice and steps on how to self-refer.” 

Where to find support

To access the appropriate healthcare to meet their needs people should:

• use the NHS inform website – nhsinform.scot– to access advice on common symptoms, guidance for self-help and where to go if further medical care is needed;
• contact their local GP practice during the day for an appointment or over-the-phone advice; or
• call 111, day or night, when they think they need A&E but it is not life-threatening, during out of hours when they are too ill to wait for their GP practice to open, or for worsening symptoms of COVID-19.
• The Physiotherapy MSK website can be accessed at this link: Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy | NHS Lanarkshire (scot.nhs.uk).
• The self-referral form can be used by any adult living in Lanarkshire who has an MSK condition. This form will be received by our Physiotherapy team, will be clinically triaged and added to our waiting list.

The advent of COVID-19 has changed how we live, work and, for many people, how we access and interact with health and care services.

As is well publicised, the pandemic has not gone away. With emerging new variants, the need for caution is as important as ever. As we move forward, with ongoing vigilance, we are confident of a brighter future as we recover together.

Many of our services may look and feel different to pre-pandemic times. Most of these differences, for example the use of PPE and physical distancing, are necessary to keep patients and our staff safe. Some of the differences are because we are building on the excellent work and gains made during the pandemic, from techniques to technology.

As we continue to recover and evolve, we aim to keep you up-to-date with latest developments, to be clear about some of these differences and explain why they are in place and what is available.