Gorleston Primary Care Network are pleased to announce that the First Contact Practitioner (FCP) service is live and is available through The Beaches Medical Centre and The Millwood Partnership.
Patients who contact the surgery with joint and muscle pains and injuries can now be directed straight to the FCP service. The service provides assessment and enables self-management by qualified and experienced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists without the need to see the doctor or nurse first.
Who do they want to see?
- 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 etc
- Spinal pain including lower-back pain, mid-back pain and neck pain
- Spinal-related pain in arms or legs, including nerve symptoms, eg pins and needles or numbness
- Changes to walking
- Post-orthopaedic surgery
The expected turnaround for contact with the service is far quicker than the traditional physiotherapy service. An appointment will be offered ideally on the same day or within 24 hours, (Monday-Friday). To access the service contact your surgery in the usual way. Patients accessing via the website will notice a box asking for consent to be referred to the FCP service if they have a problem with muscles and joints. If you have a problem that fits in with the list above, please remember to tick the box.
If you are using the website to contact the surgery, please complete our Get Help For Any Health Problem form.
(They cannot see under 12s, medical management of rheumatoid conditions, ante- and post-natal physio problems, neurological and respiratory conditions, mental health crisis and those who are acutely unwell.)
During the pandemic the FCPs will be providing a telephone service, with face-to-face consultation becoming available when safe to do so.
The FCP service is complementary to our usual physiotherapy service and the service which is right for you will depend on your condition.
