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Croydon’s population (382,304) is the second largest of London’s 32 boroughs after Bexley. A key challenge for Croydon is how best to manage growing demand for MSK services (namely, Orthopaedics, Pain Management and Rheumatology).
The new model of care will help reduce referral rates and shorten waiting times as well as supporting patients to self-care to reduce secondary care outpatient activity and Referral-to-Treatment (RTT) waits.
Connect has been chosen to deliver the MSK service due to the organisation’s successful track record which is based on a series of proven collaborations with the NHS, underpinned by evidenced and improved outcomes for the patient. The robust procurement process was based on quality, service locations, value for money and Connect scored highest for quality, both in the written bid and at the interview stage.
Dr Agnelo Fernandes, Clinical Chair of NHS Croydon CCG and Croydon GP, said:
“This new service will mean that thousands of Croydon residents will have faster access to physiotherapists in more locations across the borough. Expert advice online and on the telephone will help support more people to take control of managing their own condition and ultimately improve the quality of their every-day life.”
Jon Lowe, Managing Director, Connect Health added:
“We are delighted to have been chosen to deliver the integrated MSK service in Croydon and look forward to working with primary and secondary care teams to make a real difference to patient outcomes by delivering the right MSK care, in the right place and at the right time. This news is recognition of our capabilities and adds to our reputation as the leading provider of community MSK services to the NHS.”
The service is due to commence in the Autumn and will work with Croydon’s 54 GP practices to deliver:
- A range of self-care MSK resources
- Digital connectivity with secondary care (Orthopaedic Advice and Guidance)
- Group Health Coaching MSK activity
- Integrating Physiotherapy resources within General Practice
- A range of flexible support through face to face, online and telephone advice to answer patient questions and to help them to manage their condition
- Telephone-based assessment, advice and guidance within two days for all referrals
- Shorter waiting times, with an average of 18 days from referral to first appointment with a physiotherapist
NHS Croydon CCG and Connect are committed to engaging with GPs, current clinical site providers and residents to set up the new services as quickly and as smoothly as possible for the benefit of service users. Connect will continue to use all current sites where possible and can assure residents that clinical sites will only increase.
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