Purpose Of The Service

The MSK Hubs support patients who are experiencing pain in their bones, joints or muscles but do not require (or the patient does not want) surgical intervention. The service is run by GPs with a specialist interest in Musculoskeletal Medicine. The Hubs are located in a number of community locations across LLR. The shorter waiting times offered by the Hubs mean an earlier diagnosis and treatment, thus preventing deterioration in condition. The clinics can diagnose and treat with musculoskeletal injections if required. They also offer exercise, weight loss and holistic patient care around orthopaedic problems. For those patients who go on to require surgical intervention, the guidance provided by the clinic ensures they have the opportunity to be in the best possible physical condition to undergo surgery. This reduces complication rates and shortens time in hospital

Benefit To The Patient

The service uses Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) as a follow up model. This means that the patient contacts the service if they wish to see one of the specialist GPs. Appointments tend to be by phone. This means the patient is in control of their care and does not have the inconvenience of having to travel when they wish to speak with their clinician.

Following the trial of the MSK Hub Pilot Scheme, as part of elective recovery in 2022/23, the MSK Hubs have continued to enjoy funding throughout 2023/24. A business case for permanent funding has been submitted to the ICB and is currently pending a decision. As minimum we hope for extended funding into 2024/25. 2023/24 saw the addition of a fourth City Centre location ~ One Clinic. In addition, the service underwent a change of location, from Station View Health Centre to Burbage Surgery.

In 2023/24, the service saw an increase of 3,486 referrals. PIFU (Patient Initiated Follow Up) is fully integrated within the MSK Hub service as part of patient discharge. In 2023/24, 1,690 patients were discharged via this process. A further 316 were discharged directly by the service clinicians. This resulted in a 48% discharge rate from the service. Remote or Virtual follow-ups have increased, with 40% of all appointments now taking place via telephone or virtually. The 2023/24 service received a large volume of positive patient feedback, especially around the next-steps and action plans patients were advised to undertake in order to positively manage their own health.