Request for GP involvement with MSK programme – BHR GPs

Dear BHR GPs, 

We are writing to request GP involvement in an important MSK programme being progressed across North East London, led by NEL ICB.

As you may be aware, the ICB has invested in community physiotherapy services and has set a clear expectation that a Single Point of Access (SPoA) for all MSK referrals from primary care to community physiotherapy and secondary care services will go live by 1 June. The aim of the programme is to improve access, reduce variation, and support timely, appropriate care for patients with MSK conditions.

As part of this work, the Trust is reviewing and redesigning both clinical pathways and referral pathways to support the SPoA model. This work is being undertaken with senior clinical input from Trauma & Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery consultants. However, for the programme to be clinically robust and operationally successful, it is essential that pathways are co-developed with primary care colleagues who understand the realities of referral decision-making in general practice.

We are therefore seeking GPs who would be willing to:

• Contribute to discussions on MSK referral and clinical pathways
• Provide a primary care perspective to ensure pathways are practical, proportionate, and patient-centred
• Support alignment across primary, community, and secondary care ahead of SPoA implementation

Involvement would be via a small number of focused meetings over the coming months. This is a time-limited but critical piece of work, given the June go-live deadline.

If you are interested in being involved, or would like to nominate a colleague from your practice or PCN, please contact Rebecca Coughlan via email rebecca.coughlan@nhs.net.

Your input will be vital to ensuring this programme delivers meaningful improvements for patients and is workable for general practice.