The FCP service provides assessment and management of all patients aged 18 and above with musculoskeletal problems and is the first point of call for all patients with the exception of possible serious medical conditions.
Any patient over 18 years with an MSK problem.
The patient can be signposted if the patient is otherwise well and:
- All soft tissue injuries – upper and lower limb
- Sprains, strains or sports injuries
- Arthritis – any joint
- Possible problems with muscles, ligaments,
tendons or bone e.g tennis elbow, carpal
tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains - Spinal pain including lower back pain,
thoracic and neck pain - Spinal pain including arm / leg symptoms +/- neurological symptoms e.g pins and needles
- Mobility changes
- Post orthopaedic surgery
The patient CANNOT be signposted if:
- Acutely unwell
- Children aged under 18
- Acute Lower Back Pain if the First Contact Practitioner (FCP) is not available on the day
- Medical management of rheumatoid conditions
- Women’s health, ante and post-natal
- House bound patients
- Medication Reviews
- Neurological and respiratory conditions
- Headaches
- Acute mental health crisis
- Patients who do not want to see a FCP
Direct booking via their GP reception. Patients cannot book directly. Receptionists can book appointments via EMIS. Currently only practices with team members located at their practices can book, this is changing when EMIS RC is implemented.
No waiting list
No triage