Update on the MSK Transformation programme Implementation and upcoming changes in the next few months

MSK community services in Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest are now actively recruiting for new physiotherapy staff which will enable them to start to clear their waiting lists and reduce waiting times for their services. This may take several months to be fully implemented, and some localities will see change faster in the waiting times for MSK services.

The key aim will be to reduce patients waiting times to an average of six weeks which will address MSK conditions earlier which has been proven shown to improve outcomes and reduce the need for surgical interventions.

As part of the programme, we will shortly be deciding on the implementation of the changes to access for primary care routine MRI for MSK conditions. We recently advised on the appropriate usage of MRI and GPs should look to reduce their activity in line with guidance to prepare for the upcoming changes. GPs and FCPs can review the information on the primary care portal here.

These changes to primary care access to MRI will deliver over £2m in savings that will partly pay for the £4m recurrent investment into the community MSK services.

The latest programme update is below.

If you have any queries please contact shahnaz.begum5@nhs.net in the first instance.