Wandsworth’s first community physiotherapy day helped over 200 people with joint, back and muscle problems thanks to a one-stop-shop approach to improving their condition.
During the day, funded by NHS South West London, experts from St George’s Hospital, Vita Health and Surrey Physio, along with specialist community support organisations were on hand to meet 200 people from the physiotherapy waiting lists and make plans for the future.
People who arrived for the day, at Transformation House in Clapham, started with a visit to a conversation café to meet a physiotherapist who developed a patient passport treatment plan. In some cases these included further assessment or referrals to organisations that offer support, including Age UK, Versus Arthritis, Talk Wandsworth, Enable Leisure, getUbetter and Healthwatch.
This day gave me the chance to see everyone under one roof. I felt listened to and it was nice to talk face to face with the clinicians about what you are going through.”
Wandsworth resident Linda has been living with debilitating back and leg pain after an accident at the gym 12 years ago. She said: “This day gave me the chance to see everyone under one roof. I felt listened to and it was nice to talk face to face with the clinicians about what you are going through.
“I feel more confident about the best way to improve my condition after receiving advice on exercise and have put the programme up on my wall, so I remember it every day. I am reassured that if I need more help, I can use the getUbetter app for best self-care at home, work and on the move. I feel more optimistic about the future.”
Another person commented: “The day provided immediate exercises and advice to help me manage my condition.”
By focussing on what was important to each person we were able to have authentic conversations about what mattered to them, giving them greater control of their health.”
Chris Cleaver, from St George’s Hospital physiotherapy team organised the event. He said: “The day was a terrific success. By focussing on what was important to each person we were able to have authentic conversations about what mattered to them, giving them greater control of their health. It gave people the knowledge and confidence to make daily life easier for the long term.“
After the day, forty per cent of those attending were discharged from the waiting list with the option open for further treatment if needed. People who stayed on the waiting list reported the day had significantly improved their ability to manage their condition and where needed they had the opportunity to bring forward their appointment.