Self Referral to Wirral Adult Musculoskeletal Service

Self-Referral is a way to refer yourself for assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions without needing to see your GP first.

What does the Musculoskeletal Service provide?

Specialist musculoskeletal assessment and treatment for patients with musculoskeletal conditions involving the bones, muscles, nerves, or joints.

Specialist treatments including:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Osteopathy
• Aquatic therapy
• Soft tissue and joint injections

If appropriate:

• Referral on to Orthopaedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Pain Management, Rheumatology
• Referral for investigations

Who is eligible?

Anyone 16 years old or over who is registered with a Wirral GP can refer for any musculoskeletal problem that has been present for over 6 weeks.

If you complete a self-referral that cannot be managed by us we will contact you to advise where you should be referred.

When is self-referral to the Musculoskeletal Service NOT appropriate?

We do not accept self-referrals within the first 6 weeks of developing symptoms.

Evidence shows that most new injuries, aches, & pains will improve within 6 weeks with the simple steps below. At times it might feel like your problem won’t get better, but very few people need any extra care other than the steps below. Most people will find their problem will get better with time.

Please visit our website for information that may help you to manage your symptoms – Musculoskeletal Service | Wirral University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (wuth.nhs.uk)

However, if you are concerned or your condition is worsening please contact your GP or phone NHS 111.

Please do not continue with self-referral and call NHS 111 if you have recently or suddenly developed the following with the onset of lower back pain and/ or leg pain:

· A change in your bladder function or bowel control.

· Altered sensation around your genitals, back passage, buttocks or inner thighs

· Loss of sexual function.

Please do not self-refer but make an appointment to see your GP to discuss your referral if you have any of the following:

· Constant severe pain and you are unable to find relief.

· Any unexplained weight loss.

· Are feeling generally unwell/ feverish.

· Have recently become unsteady on your feet.

· Hot swollen joint.

· Recent onset of significant weakness

· A history of cancer.

· Had recent surgery

· Had a recent fracture of the body part involved.

· Are under 16 years old.

· Are seeking treatment for neurological, respiratory, obstetric & gynaecological disorders or podiatry & orthotic referral.

· If you are already under the care of a consultant for the same problem, or the pain service. Or you are on a surgical waiting list for the same problem.

Self-Referral - Wirral Musculoskeletal (MSK) Service at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

If you have a musculoskeletal condition involving the bones, muscles, nerves, or joints, that has been present for more than 6 weeks, you can now self refer to the MSK Service without seeing a GP.

This is still in a trial stage so is only being offered to patients registered with the following GP practices:

• Civic Medical Centre
• Eastham Group Practice
• Heatherlands Medical Centre
• Orchard Surgery
• Prenton Medical Centre
• Spital Surgery
• Sunlight Group Practice
• Villa Medical Centre

What does the Wirral MSK Service Provide?

Specialist musculoskeletal assessment and treatment for patients with musculoskeletal conditions involving the bones, muscles, nerves, or joints.

Specialist Treatments including:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy for hand conditions
• Aquatic therapy
• Specialist advice and exercise programmes
• Soft tissue and joint Injections If appropriate
• Referral onto Orthopaedics surgery, Neurosurgery, Pain management, Rheumatology
• Referral for investigations

Please complete the self referral form below. Fields marked with * must be completed.