Partnership working, benefits patients and NHS
Fitzwilliam Hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care UK, is an
independent hospital which has long considered itself an integral
part of the healthcare community in Peterborough. Innovative
thinking and a strong relationship with NHS Peterborough resulted
in an inventive new service, which has brought huge benefits to
local patients and to the NHS.
With a local reputation for innovative healthcare provision,
Fitzwilliam Hospital was approached by NHS Peterborough to work in
partnership on a bid to provide a Tier II Musculoskeletal
Assessment and Treatment Service (MATS), covering the Greater
Peterborough area. The two organisations worked together to develop
a proposal that would best meet clinical care needs, and reduce
patient waiting times and inappropriate referrals to Orthopaedic
Consultants.
All aspects of the service, including staffing, buildings works,
patient pathways, and marketing were designed in a joint process,
and the service commenced in June 2007.
Services are provided by the NHS in the community setting of the
Fitzwilliam Hospital, with a reception area and two assessment and
treatment rooms providing a ‘one stop service’ for patients, with
instant access to radiology services provided by the Fitzwilliam’s
Radiology Department.
The service is staffed with General Practitioners with a Special
Interest (GPWSI) and Extended Scope Practitioners (ESP) who are
employed by NHS Peterborough, with input to the service from the
Fitzwilliam Hospital Physiotherapy Department (ESP
Practitioner).
The service is closely supported by Consultants at the
Fitzwilliam, and includes a Consultant-led Continuing Professional
Development Programme for a half day each month for the clinical
practitioners, with close support from the Orthopaedic Consultants
and Radiologists with patient case presentations.
This innovative, united and patient-focused service has been
nominated for a 2008 Independent Healthcare Award.