The Meads has a First Contact Practitioner (FCP) working at the practice one day a week on a Friday. Matt is a trained physiotherapist and is able to assess, diagnose and manage patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints. For example, those who are experiencing back ache, knee pain, sciatica, tennis elbow and many more conditions such as these.
Matt is able to speak to patients without a GP referral and it is his role to decide on the most appropriate Care Pathway for patients, whether that be to refer onwards for physiotherapy, for scans, blood tests, an injection or onwards to the Horder Centre, or for self management etc.
As musculoskeletal specialists, FCPs may be best placed to assist patients with their MSK complaints without the need for GP intervention.
Our receptionists have been trained to offer First Contact Practitioner appointments to patients without consultation with a Clinician beforehand. You can also request to be seen by the FCP yourself.
It is possible that you will be seen by a FCP quicker than if you were to wait for a GP appointment.
Some of the criteria for booking in appointments with the FCP are per the below:
| Could be seen by a FCP |
Not for the FCP |
| All soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries |
Anyone aged under 16 |
| Arthritis- any joint |
Any female within 6 weeks of giving birth |
| Possible problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bones. eg. carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains |
Any medication reviews for non muscular skeletal conditions |
| Spinal pain including neck pain |
Any breathing or cardiac problems |
| Pins and needles or numbness |
Headaches |
| Post surgery pain (on joints or bones) |
Anyone acutely unwell |
Susses MSK Partnership
In addition to Matt, patients are now able to self refer themselves for physiotherapy to the Sussex MSK Partnership without the need for a clinical appointment first and using the link below.
Clinicans from the MSK service will continue to triage patients and they will contact you direct.
Visit sussexmskpartnershipeast.co.uk/gethelp