Physiotherapy Practitioners working in two GP practices in NHS Forth Valley are proving a great success with patients, and freeing up more time for GPs to see complex cases.
Based in the Kersiebank Medical Practice in Grangemouth, and at Bannockburn Medical Practice in Stirling, they form part of a wider multidisciplinary team created to support local GPs after NHS Forth Valley took over management of the two GP Practices. Feedback from patients on the new physiotherapy service has been extremely positive with most saying they had confidence and trust in their practice physiotherapists. People also reported being given enough time at their appointment, said they were listened to, treated with care and concern and tests and treatments had been explained.
Catherine McRitchie is one of two NHS Forth Valley physiotherapy practitioners based at Bannockburn Medical Practice. She explained: “We decide on the best pathway for the patient following a detailed assessment. This will vary depending on the individuals needs of the patient. Some patients may require to be referred to orthopaedics, pain or rheumatology clinics and others may require information, advice and exercises to help manage their condition. We are able to arrange for further investigations such as X-rays and blood tests and we can all do steroid joint injections as well.”
The initiative is part of an 18 month pilot and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as part of the development of future primary care services across Forth Valley.
