Hull in print : Health in Hull

When Sarah McGurn felt a pain and symptoms following a previous dislocation in her shoulder, her first thought was to visit her GP.
Expecting to then have to wait for an appointment before she could speak to a physiotherapist, the mother-of-two from Victoria Dock was told a new telephone-based service could help.
Sarah was given the number for Hull Physio Direct, a service in which patients call and speak to a physiotherapist at the end of the line.
There is no waiting around – it's just a case of pick up the phone and dial.
"I'd never heard of Hull Physio Direct until I visited my GP," says Sarah.
"I gave them a call and found straight away that I was speaking to a physiotherapist and receiving very clear and expert advice about what was happening with my shoulder.
"It's a brilliant service because it brings faster access to treatment for patients.
It's also a Hull number, so it is free to call, and for me personally it brought peace of mind as I was told what was wrong and what could be done to fix it."
Sarah says the pain and symptoms in her shoulder were a recurrence of a problem she first suffered with around 15 years ago.
Later she had an operation to strengthen her shoulder as her shoulder joint kept dislocating because she had what is known as a 'mobile joint', and, while the operation in 1999 was successful, the recent recurrence of the problem means more treatment is needed.
"It's likely that my shoulder and the muscles have altered a bit since the operation just through natural change and wear and tear," she adds.
"It needs another intervention to correct it and stop the problem."
Sarah was given an appointment with a physiotherapist within two weeks of her phone call, to allow her shoulder to be fully checked out so that a treatment plan could be drawn up.

Better access to treatment

Helen Cammish and Graeme Calder of Hull Physio Direct, and (opposite page) patient Sarah McGurn

So far, 536 patients from across the city have called the new service since it was launched in November last year.
This is a big change for physiotherapy treatment in Hull, as previously patients had to consult their doctor first.
While they can still go through their local GP if they wish, patients now also have the option to refer themselves by ringing the service direct.
Posters and leaflets are on display in places such as libraries, pharmacies and dental and doctors' surgeries to promote the service, which is available for people who are registered with a Hull GP and have a musculoskeletal problem, such as back pain, neck pain, or joint and muscle problems in the arms or legs.
Patients can be assessed over the phone, after describing their symptoms and how the problem is affecting them.
Callers are given advice on how to manage their problem and, if appropriate, a range of therapeutic exercises.
They may also be offered a consultation at a local health centre with a physiotherapist, or they could be referred on to another service if more appropriate, for example podiatry or an orthopaedic consultant.
"Back pain is the most common reason why patients make a call to the service," says Helen Cammish, Head of Physiotherapy Services for Therapy Services Partnership, which has been commissioned by NHS Hull to run Hull Physio Direct.
"In more than 40 per cent of the calls we receive, patients can be treated by following the advice and exercises we suggest which are tailored to their needs.
"The exercises, which are simple to follow and have explanatory diagrams, can be sent through the post or by email if a patient prefers." Patients can also call back at any time or the physiotherapist may call them back after a couple of weeks to discuss how their treatment is going.
Overall, the service means faster treatment for patients, with improved access to physiotherapy advice.
It also reduces the need to make appointments with a local doctor, which means GPs' time can be freed up for other patients.

info

To contact Hull Physio Direct call 300003.
Lines are open 8am - 5.30pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).
For more information about the service log on to www.youtube.com and search for 'NHS Hull Physio Direct'.

Working in partnership
Hull City Council

Hull Teaching Primary Care Trust tel. (01482) 344700


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