First Contact Physiotherapy (FCP) service to the NHS

Contract progress

In November 2022, our fourth contract to provide FCP services will commence in the Coventry area. Our first FCP was embedded with Coventry North Primary Care Network (PCN) in January 2021 and two additional physiotherapists were placed with two further PCNs earlier this year. This is building on the success of the wider business.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are the leading cause of disability in the UK. They account for approximately 11 million lost working days per year annually and represent costs of approximately £5 billion per year to the NHS. In 2019 there were estimated to be 312 million GP consultations in the UK, approximately one third of which related to MSK disorders.

What is an FCP?

An experienced physiotherapist based within GP practices, treating patients on a first point of access basis. They have advanced skills to assess, diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment or referral for musculoskeletal (MSK) problems. Case studies reported that the service greatly reduced the requirement for GP involvement, significantly reduced prescription costs and numbers of referrals to consultants, scanning and orthopaedic services. Additionally, the service provides very high levels of customer satisfaction.

Why Physio & Health Matters?

We have an in depth understanding of the NHS MSK pathways due to our successful NHS Any Qualified Provider (AQP) contracts which were awarded in 2014.

The professional values that have underpinned our operation for the patient journey for over 20 years match exactly those identified in the MSK Core Capabilities Framework for FCP’s commissioned by Health Education England and NHS England:

  1. Person centred approach
  2. Assessment, investigation, and diagnosis
  3. Condition management, interventions, and prevention
  4. Service and professional development

 

Our staff have the necessary skills, and we offer a firm commitment to the values and behaviours detailed in the Core Capabilities Framework document.

 

If you would like more information or an informal discussion about these services please contact us – reception@physioanshealthmatters.com or telephone 01989 548314.