Over 250 physiotherapy patients from Birmingham and Solihull attended a recent Community Appointment Day (CAD) in the region.
Patients on the physiotherapy waiting lists at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH), Queen Elizabeth (QE) Hospital, and College Green medical practice were invited to the Community Appointment Day at local Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre.
The Community Appointment Day brought together a range of services; physiotherapy services from the three providers, groups from the local voluntary sector, and national charities such as Versus Arthritis, Healthwatch, Age UK and Public Health Services, all under one roof to support patients.
Hayley Jennings, Senior Physiotherapist at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital said: “We invited patients from our physiotherapy waiting lists to visit us and access support, while they wait for their appointment. We tailored resources available on the day to the needs of our local patients waiting for treatment, and discussed their MSK (musculoskeletal) concerns. Therapy colleagues underwent specific personalised care training, to ensure conversations focussed on what matters to patients.
“Where necessary, patients were able to get an assessment by a physiotherapist, receive tailored advice in line with what really matters to them, guidance and exercises, and many were signposted to voluntary sector support in the ‘community hub’ if it was appropriate for them.”
Nikki Mason, Head of Therapy Services at the ROH said: “It’s been fantastic to work with our Birmingham and Solihull partners, the QE and College Green on this new and innovative approach. The knowledge gained by all colleagues will also provide support to future patients as they come through for treatment. We were delighted to see so many patients attend, and to hear so much positive feedback about the support they received.”
Robin, a patient who attended the event said: “I received a text message inviting me today, while I wasn’t sure what to expect from the day, I’m so glad I came! The welcome check in desk talked me through what was going to happen, and I spoke to a physiotherapist who really took their time. I didn’t feel rushed at all and everyone I’ve spoken to has really listened to what I’ve had to say. I’ve downloaded an app and got some exercises to take home that should help, and I feel really good about the whole thing! All in all a great experience.”
Talks and presentations were held in a studio as part of the day, where patients could drop in to hear free advice and information from ROH Pain Management Nurses and Versus Arthritis.
Sarah Berne, National Active Wellbeing Manager for Serco Leisure, which operates Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre, said: “Our leisure centres are community hubs. They are places where people feel welcomed and included, which makes them the ideal venues for initiatives like these, which provide much-needed access to health and wellbeing services for patients awaiting treatment.
“Congratulations to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham and College Green Medical Centre NHS teams on the staging of a very successful first Community Appointment Day.”
If you are a patient waiting for treatment, there are some things you can do to wait well.
Click this link for more information and advice: https://roh.nhs.uk/supporting-services/waiting-well
