Temporary changes to Musculoskeletal (MSK) services

The NHS nationally and in Derbyshire continues to respond to the additional pressures of Covid-19, the Covid vaccination programme and the usual increase in demand during the winter period.  We are also doing our best to manage the current impact of the Covid-19 Omicron variant upon our staffing as colleagues become unwell or need to self-isolate. This combination of factors is causing exceptional pressure on our capacity and has resulted in a temporary change to the way we deliver physiotherapy services.

Making changes to the way we provide our services is a last resort. Regrettably from 10 January 2022, all referrals and follow up activity for routine Musculoskeletal care will be paused. This will initially be until the end of January 2022 when we will review the position again. In the meantime we will ensure that you are kept on a waiting list and we will also be providing you with the following support with links in the table below:

  • Information and advice on self-care as an alternative form of support to help you manage your condition.
  • Answers to Frequently Asked Questions to enable you to quickly find out more about your condition.
  • Other sources of urgent support if you experience acute issues. The NHS 111 online and call service can assess you and book you an appointment at an Urgent Treatment Centre if required. Your pharmacist is also a great source of advice. Please only attend A&E if you have a life-threatening injury or illness.
  • An enquiries service if you find that you are unable to find the information you require.

We hope that the necessary pause will be brief but the continuing impact of Omicron will be the major factor in next steps.

Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust
Find self-management advice and further information for a number of common complaints and conditions across all body parts.

Versus Arthritis
Get general advice on self-management, as well as condition specific guidance. There is also access to the ‘Let’s move’ programme which offers 30 minutes of weekly exercise and online support.

Arthritis Action
Access to self-management covering diet, weight management, wellbeing, and pain management. This page contains exercises you can try in a chair at your own home, as part of a programme developed to encourage people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions to become more active.

Action on Pain
Get support, information and advice on Pain Management. There is also access to the ‘Pain Line’ which is a helpline open Monday-Friday 10.00 – 16.00 (0345 6031593)

Pain Concern
Find support and information to help manage pain in a variety of formats including podcasts, leaflets, online forum and helpline.

Connect Health
Access support and information to help understand and manage pain. Links and signposting to other resources on website.

NHS Choices
Find a comprehensive list for a variety of conditions with self-management help and support.