MSK Service

NHS

MSK Service – launches 4th November 2019

More immediate appointments to help our patients with pain

An MSK service is to be launched on Monday 4th November 2019, with more immediate appointments available to help patients with back or neck pain or a range of other musculoskeletal conditions. Patients who would normally seek an appointment with their GP can be seen quickly by an MSK Practitioner as an alternative and more clinically appropriate appointment.

Patients can be seen for symptoms such as:

  • Neck pain
  • Low back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Shoulder/elbow/wrist/hand pain 
  • Hip/knee/ankle/foot pain
  • Tendonitis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

These appointments are currently only available to patients who are registered at the following practices:

  • Central Surgery/Flagg Court
  • Colliery Court Medical Group
  • Dr Thornilly Walker and Partners
  • Imeary Street Surgery
  • Marsden Road Health Centre
  • Whitburn Surgery

It is hoped from April 2020 that this service will become available for all patients registered with a practice in South Tyneside.

How to make an appointment:

Please contact your own GP surgery as usual and they will arrange for you to be seen by the MSK Service. The MSK Service will operate from the following locations during this pilot:

Central Surgery

Central Surgery, Cleadon Park Primary Care Centre, Prince Edward Road, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE34 7QD

Or

Flagg Court Health Centre,
Dale Street
South Shields
Tyne and Wear
NE33 2LX

There are convenient transport links to both locations.

Contact your local GP practice to make an appointment.

Frequently asked questions

What is an MSK Practitioner?
A Musculoskeletal Practitioner is an expert clinician for the assessment of musculoskeletal conditions. They are able to assess, diagnose, signpost/refer you to the appropriate service for your condition
Why might I be offered an appointment with a Musculoskeletal Practitioner?
We are working towards offering you an early appointment for treatment and diagnosis. You will be able to see an MSK Practitioner for symptoms such as:
  • Neck pain
  • Low Back Pain
  • Sciatica
  • Shoulder/elbow/wrist and hand pain
  • Hip, knee, ankle, foot pain
  • Tendonitis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What should I expect at my first appointment?
You will be assessed and the practitioner will decide on any further management or appropriate treatment.
What could be the outcome of my consultation?
  • Advice and reassurance
  • Sign posting to physiotherapy
  • Investigations
  • Referral to additional services
How do I make an appointment?
Contact your GP reception team and they will book an appointment for you
When will I be seen?
Your appointment will be booked into the next available slot as soon as possible. This is a new service and has available appointments dedicated to patients with certain symptoms/pain so that they can been seen quickly by an appropriate healthcare professional.
Where will I be seen?
Your appointment will be booked into a local health Centre, either at Central Surgery, Cleadon Park or Flagg Court in Dale Street South Shields. These are currently the only locations that the service is operating from for patients for the above GP surgeries.
Can I refer myself?
No, patients cannot make self referrals to this service. Once you have made contact with your GP Practice, a member of the reception team will be able to advise if your problem can be seen by the Musculoskeletal Practitioner.