Physiotherapists are now working directly within GP surgeries across the Isle of Wight and Hampshire to help patients with musculoskeletal aches and pains, allowing many people to be seen and treated quickly without the need to see a GP first.
Musculoskeletal conditions such as sprains, strains, joint pain and spinal issues account for around 30% of all GP appointments. Now, patients can book an appointment directly with a First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) at their local GP practice.
These FCPs are specially trained physiotherapists based within GP surgeries, offering assessment and diagnosis for issues affecting muscles, bones, joints, and nerves. They can also provide expert self-management advice, refer patients for further physiotherapy if needed, or signpost to other specialist services.
This initiative forms part of the NHS 10-year health plan, which aims to deliver more care in local communities and improve access to healthcare professionals. As a result, people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are now able to see a wider range of healthcare staff at their GP practice, helping to reduce waiting times and improve treatment pathways.
Jan Henriksson, First Contact Physiotherapist at a GP Practice in Hampshire, has said:
“I have been working as a First Contact Physiotherapist in a GP practice for the last five years and have been a physiotherapist for the last 40 years. My main responsibility is to assess patients with issues like knee injuries and joint, neck or back pain. I can also advise patients on how to best manage their conditions or refer them on to local specialist services if necessary.
“By making it easier for patients to access care from a physiotherapist, they will be diagnosed and treated quicker. This will help patients to manage their conditions more effectively, recover faster and get back to normal life more easily.”
In March 2025, NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight launched the ‘It Takes a Team’ public information campaign to raise awareness of the many different specialists now working within GP practices. The 12-month campaign highlights one specialist role each month, with September’s focus being on First Contact Physiotherapists.
Patients experiencing joint, muscle, tendon or bone problems can book directly with a First Contact Physiotherapist by calling their GP practice and explaining their issue. Reception teams can book them in directly without the need to see a GP first.
It is important to note that First Contact Physiotherapists do not provide ongoing physiotherapy treatment, but act as the initial point of assessment and advice. Where further treatment is required, they can arrange onward referral.
Dr Tom Bertram, local GP and Clinical Director at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, has said:
“Our First Contact Physiotherapists are a great resource and can help GPs manage their workload more effectively by seeing patients with musculoskeletal conditions. They are now an integral part of the primary care team and our patients are increasingly seeing the benefit of having this role within our GP practices.”
Further information visit https://www.hantsiow.icb.nhs.uk/about-us/primary-care/it-takes-team.
You can’t see a GP for love or money or death anyway!! And tried this years ago I was fob ed off with one who decided nothing wrong with my knees..had MRI after my insistence and had two holes punched thru kneecaps size of 2 pound coin the twunk totally missed!.
It takes 40 minutes + for GP receptionists to
answer the phone, to see a GP in 2025 Britain
there is more chance winning the lottery.
Since the pandemic the service is poor.
Doesn’t help when you need a replacement knee, hip etc. It’s just a delaying tactic for many
A future NHS lawsuit in the making. Someone with a life threatening condition will slip through the net.