PhysioUpdate News 23rd January 2024

Patients with MSK issues prefer to see physios in south London gyms rather than NHS trust's sites

London-based physiotherapist Jenny Heal has backed a bid by Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust to offer patients physiotherapy sessions in local gyms and leisure centres rather than on hospital sites.

Jenny, project lead and clinical lead musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapist, supports a pilot scheme involving ukactive – the UK’s trade body for the physical activity sector – to improve access to rehabilitation and therapy by offering services in community settings.

The pilot, which is being funded the Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity, began at the Castle Leisure Centre in the Elephant and Castle area of south London in February last year. Attendance quadrupled in the first month, with from 150 to 200 patients now being seen weekly, on average. Brixton Recreation Centre was chosen as one of the new locations as it offers women-only gym sessions, an important factors for some patients in an early survey.

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