2022 – 2023 Annual Report Share this page: As we complete our eighth year, find out about what our service has achieved during 2022/23. Our annual report explores how we strive to put the patient at the heart of everything we do. Read about what we have learnt throughout the year and how we use the feedback of patients and service users to inform improvement across the service. Click the below to download the report. SMSKPE Annual Report 2022 - 2023

Physiotherapy Self-Referral Sussex MSK Partnership East (SMSKPE) offers a self-referral service for physiotherapy. This service allows patients to access physiotherapy without needing to see their GP first. The advantage to you is that we get your referral quickly, in your own words, which helps us to make the best plan for your first appointment. You will be able to easily find and follow the link from our front page, or at the bottom of this article, to start your self-referral. For some frequently asked questions, see the guidance below. Who is it for? All patients aged 16 or older, living in East Sussex and registered to one of the GP practices listed here: GP Practices served by SMSKPE. If you’re not sure if you are registered within our catchment area, feel free to get in touch with us to discuss. What is it for? If you have a problem that is affecting your bones, joints or muscles and would like an assessment from a physiotherapist, or have previously had successful physiotherapy that you would like to engage with again, fill out our online form and describe your issue in as much detail as possible. Do I need to see my GP first? No, you do not need to wait to see your GP if you would like physiotherapy. By self-referring instead, you will help reduce demand on primary care services and we’ll get your referral started much quicker. Please note: If your symptoms are concerning you and you think there might still be a need to see a GP, please do so. If your doctor then advises physiotherapy, we will still accept that referral either from your GP or via self-referral. What do I need? You will need access to the online form. This can be completed on computers, tablets or mobile phones. It is important you provide information which is as accurate as possible to ensure you are offered the correct service to help your condition. You will need your NHS number, which can be found here: My NHS number How long will I wait until I hear about my referral? We should get your referral on the same day that you complete your from. From there, we will be in touch as soon as you have been forwarded to a provider. Provider waiting times can be found here: Waiting Times What if I need to add or change any information? Once we have received your self-referral, it will be reviewed to ensure that we have everything we need. We may be in touch if there are any questions. If you believe you have forgotten to mention something, if anything changes or if you need to discuss your referral, feel free to ‘Get in touch’   Where do I find the form?Follow the link below to self-refer:sussexmskpartnershipeast.co.uk/gethelp

Physical Activity Guidelines For Adults Share this page:   A lot of people ask, ‘how much exercise do I need to do?’ This article will help answer that question, as we explore physical activity. We are using resources from our own ‘Healthy Hip and Knee‘ booklet, Physical Activity Guidelines from gov.uk and desk exercise suggestions, courtesy of the Chartered Society Of Physiotherapy. Firstly, lets bust a myth. Exercise doesn’t have to mean the gym! Though it may do for some. You may already also do several things during your week that count as active movement. The real aim is to break up sedentary time, and to do things that keep you moving, safely, and preferably doing something you enjoy! If you are in work, then like nearly 30% of us in the United Kingdom, you may be at a desk for the majority of your day. If that is the case, you should take some time to think about your environment and posture to ensure that your workspace is comfortable. Has your organisation offered you a DSE Workstation Assessment? Assuming it has, you still need to think about opportunities to regularly stretch and move around. Take a look at the six exercises below and see if this helps give you a little extra energy in the day. (Scroll past these exercises for more information and ‘Physical Activity For Adults’ Guidance) Whatever your employment status, you should keep yourself moving! It has far reaching health benefits, not only for your physical and mental health, but it also reduces some major risks of diseases like Type II Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. The below infographic from Gov.uk sums it all up and makes some great suggestions. This is a reccomended guide for adults aged between 19 – 64. See also: Physical activity guidelines: disabled adultsPhysical activity guidelines: pregnancy and after childbirth And, if you would like to know more, or read further, see the below from the World Health Organization (WHO): WHO Guidelines On Physical Activity And Sedentary Behaviour

Are You Considering A Joint Replacement? Share this page:   We worked with East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT) to create this handy video about hip and knee joint replacement surgery. This six minute video focuses on the pro’s and con’s, and alternatives, of choosing surgery. The video talks you through some benefits and concerns that you may have as well as answering some frequently asked questions. Don’t forget about our other materials, like the Healthy Hips and Knees booklet, which is designed to help you proactively look after your joints. There are also the Decision Making Tools, provided by NHS England, designed to keep you informed and confident in the choices you make. Watch the video HERE (external link to YouTube)

A Guide To Having Healthy Hips & Knees Share this page: Sussex MSK Partnership East (SMSKPE) are excited to share our healthy hips and knees booklet, refreshed and re-released for 2023. At SMSKPE we believe that good health is about more than just the problem with your hip or knee. There are various local and national services which could help you in your journey to better health, some of which are signposted throughout this booklet. In this booklet you will find information about how your joints work, what to do to keep them healthy, options about your care and what to expect if surgery is the next step for you. This booklet’s aim is to give you a starting point towards better health with information to help you to better understand and manage your problem. Download Healthy Hips and Knees Booklet HERE