About this service
The Orthopaedic Triage Service provides a triage process followed by assessment, diagnostic and treatments for appropriate patient referrals. The outcome of paper triage could be referral to Physiotherapy, an Orthopaedic Consultant or other specialty, or simply for Assessment within the Orthopaedic Triage service itself. Occasionally, clinicians may recommend a different specialty (e.g. Pain or Vascular). The triage outcome is highly dependent on the quality of the information given by the referrer.
The service provided by Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust is delivered to all patients registered with a GP in the Dartford area. There are other similar services commissioned for GPs in other parts of Gravesham and Swanley.
The Orthopaedic Triage service is led by our Advanced Practice Physiotherapist who work at a high level of expertise and have extended skills in musculoskeletal medicine. They use an advanced level of clinical reasoning skill to assess and treat patients with orthopaedic and musculoskeletal conditions. Usually, a variety of investigations can be used to support the clinical reasoning to aid in the diagnosis and management of the patient. Both Spinal and peripheral problems are assessed and treated by all our clinicians.
Initial appointments are performed face to face and follow up appointments can be either face to face or via the telephone if appropriate or convenient for the patient.
The service is not an urgent service and operates with a waiting list for patients with routine conditions.
The service excludes fracture clinic, urgent Emergency Department referrals including suspected Cauda Equina syndrome, suspected cancer 2 week wait, inflammatory arthritis and MSK Physio
The service is for patients aged 16 years and over
Investigations Used
- X-Ray
- MRI Scans
- Ultrasound Scans
- EMG’s (Electromyography – nerve conduction tests)
- Blood Tests
Treatments
All our Orthopaedic Triage clinicians can provide a variety of peripheral joint and soft tissue injections. Some of our clinicians have the ability to perform Ultrasound Guided injections for improved accuracy with some procedures.
Some of our clinicians are registered Non-medical prescribers and can prescribe medications to support the management of the patients’ condition.
All practitioners have a broad knowledge and understanding of both conservative and surgical options that may benefit the patient. This allows discussion around the subject of best care for the patient and most appropriate steps in their treatment and outcomes. Onward referral to other departments can also be arranged if appropriate.
How to get an appointment?
Please consult your GP for a referral to the Orthopaedic Triage Service.