More than 100 patients from Harlow and surrounding areas, living with lower limb musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions benefited from a MSK Community Appointment Day (CAD) jointly organised by The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) and Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), at The Latton Bush Centre in Harlow, last week (28 September) which brought together clinicians, community services and voluntary sector organisations to provide personalised support in a single visit.
Endorsed by Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT), a national NHS programme designed to improve treatment and care of patients, MSK CADs offer a one-stop approach to care, helping patients access assessments, tailored exercise plans and holistic support closer to home. The model aims to support earlier intervention, improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for multiple appointments and referrals to other services.
Throughout the day, patients took part in ‘What Matters to You’ conversations to identify their own personal goals; had physiotherapy assessments and exercise sessions designed to help them better manage their condition and take an active role in their recovery.
A wide range of organisations were on hand to provide advice and support, including Essex Wellbeing Services, Active Essex, Rainbow Services, Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (Harlow North and South), Sexual Health, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Arthritis UK, community Diabetes Team, community dieticians, eye clinic liaison officers and Housing Services. Their presence showcased the breadth of support available to patients beyond traditional healthcare services and highlighted the value of integrated working across the health and care system.
Early intervention was the key aim of this MSK Community Appointment Day, to address issues promptly and help prevent conditions from worsening where possible, reduce chronic pain and support faster recovery. By focusing on individual goals and priorities, the event has encouraged a more personalised approach to care and wellbeing; demonstrating how a collaborative care approach can not only improve the patient experience, but support self-management and help reduce pressure on community and secondary care services.
David and Camilla from Church Langley, patients seen on the day, said:
“Amazing day, so well organised. We saw the physio who helped us with exercises, she also fed back details about an X-ray. The dietitian really helped with advice on how to increase our protein input. Thank you everyone.”
Jim McLeish, Chief Clinical Transformation Officer at PAHT said: “It was fantastic to witness first-hand the positive difference this was making for patients; a service that not only helps improve access to care but also helps to reduce waiting times and responds to individual needs in a more convenient and patient-centred way.
“The MSK CAD is a great example of our ambition to bring care closer to patients, with NHS organisations, community services and voluntary sector partners working together to provide joined-up support. The success of the day is a real credit to everyone involved, and I would like to thank all those who helped organise and deliver such an important event for our patients.”
Nicole Rich, Director of Community Physical and Mental Health Services at EPUT said: “I am delighted that the day was a great success. Getting out into the community means we can see more patients and treat them earlier and closer to home which is one of the top priorities for EPUT.”
The feedback from patients and partner organisations will help inform future Community Appointment Days as the programme continues to support people living with MSK conditions in West Essex.