The Musculoskeletal Interface Service is a multi-professional service that assesses patients over the age of 18 with non-inflammatory and non-surgical musculoskeletal disease. This service covers Stoke-On-Trent and Newcastle-Under-Lyme.
We accept referrals from general practitioners (GPs) and physiotherapists, aiming to see patients within 3 weeks of referral. We assess and diagnose their musculoskeletal problem and agree a management plan in conjunction with the patient.
The Musculoskeletal Service has 2 distinct services:
- General Musculoskeletal Service
- Spinal Interface Service
We have a series of videos (North Staffordshire Musculoskeletal Service - Youtube) that explain what the service offers, and what your appointment will be like.
Types of Conditions Seen
Within the general Musculoskeletal Interface Service we are very happy to assess patients 18 years and above with any muscle or joint problems. This can include conditions such as early to late osteoarthritis and soft tissue tendinopathies, however we do not see Red Flag pathology, inflammatory arthropathies or children 17 and under.
Referral Guidance
Within the Service we are happy to see any patient with a musculoskeletal problem. We do advise that general practitioners and physiotherapists manage the patient's pain through appropriate analgesia and appropriate exercises and advice. We generally recommend primary care management initially which could take up to 4 to 6 weeks of treatment prior to referral into our service.
What Patients Can Expect
Patients can expect a rapid appointment to be seen in the Musculoskeletal Interface Service. Over 90% of our patients are seen within a 2 to 3 week window. They will receive a 30 minute detailed assessment from an expert musculoskeletal clinician who will discuss both their functional difficulties and any other issues related to their musculoskeletal problem. The clinician, in discussion with the patient will decide if any investigations are required and these will be arranged in a timely manner. Investigations may include x-rays, MRI scans, blood tests, nerve conduction studies. The patient can expect either a letter or a phone call as soon as the results become available to the clinician and the management plan will be developed in consultation with the patient.
Clinic Location
We have clinics located around North Staffordshire and the Stoke on Trent area and these include clinics at the Haywood Hospital, Longton Cottage Hospital, Leek Moorlands Hospital, Bradwell Hospital and the University Hospital of North Midlands. We have daytime and evening clinics available.
Patient Resources
In clinics we can provide paper copies of useful booklets or direct patients to the appropriate website.
If patients are seen at the Haywood Hospital they will have access to the Patient Information Resource Centre. This centre is run by volunteers for patients and was funded by the Haywood Foundation Charity. A wealth of help and information is available for patient and carers.
BeeFree
Resources to assist those managing service users with MSK pain and mental health challenges can be found via bee free:
- Free training opportunities for staff and volunteers
- A repository of local groups, activities and support groups
- An animation containing supportive messages
Musculoskeletal Contact Details
01782 673515