Hampshire patients no longer need GP to see physiotherapist

Appointments can now be booked directly with First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs) at GP surgeries across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, offering expert assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions like sprains, strains, spinal pain and nerve symptoms.

Jan Henriksson, an FCP at a Hampshire GP practice, said: “I have been working as a First Contact Physiotherapist in a GP practice for the last five years and have been a physiotherapist for the last 40 years.

“My main responsibility is to assess patients with issues like knee injuries and joint, neck or back pain.

“I can also advise patients on how to best manage their conditions or refer them on to local specialist services if necessary.”

Jan has been working in a GP practice for the last five years. (Image: Natasha Jay Photography) FCPs are trained to diagnose and manage a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, and can refer patients to further physiotherapy or specialist services if needed.

Their role is part of the NHS 10-year health plan, which aims to improve access to community-based care.

Dr Tom Bertram, GP and clinical director at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “Our First Contact Physiotherapists are a great resource and can help GPs manage their workload more effectively by seeing patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

“They are now an integral part of the primary care team and our patients are increasingly seeing the benefit of having this role within our GP practices.”

Patients can book appointments with an FCP by calling their GP practice and explaining they have a musculoskeletal issue involving joints, bones, muscles, or tendons.

Receptionists can then book directly with the FCP team, without the need to see a GP first.

Musculoskeletal conditions account for 30 per cent of all GP appointments.

FCPs do not offer a full physiotherapy service but act as the first point of contact for assessment and treatment.

If ongoing treatment is required, they can refer patients to community physiotherapy services.

In March, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight launched the ‘It Takes a Team’ campaign to raise awareness of the different specialists working in GP practices.

The 12-month campaign will spotlight a different role each month, starting with First Contact Physiotherapists.