More than 65 patients received advice and support at a dedicated physiotherapy event held at the Leicester General Hospital.
The initiative, known as a Community Assessment Day (CAD), brought together a range of clinicians and healthcare experts in one place to provide musculoskeletal (MSK) assessments alongside wider health and wellbeing support in a ‘community village’ setting.
While similar events have been delivered across Leicestershire at leisure centres in Hinckley and Loughborough, this is the first time the model has been piloted in a hospital setting at the Leicester General Hospital (LGH). Patients who are currently on a physiotherapy waiting list were invited.
The ‘community village’ approach also encourages a more holistic model of care, with patients able to access guidance on areas such as exercise, lifestyle, and self-management, alongside their clinical assessment.
Across the day, around 65 patients were seen as part of the initiative, with many benefiting from on-the-spot assessment, advice, and guidance- helping patients better understand and manage their conditions without needing to wait for a traditional appointment.
Sarah Sykes, MSK outpatient operational lead, who led the event, said: “This is about bringing care closer to patients and making it more accessible. By bringing services together in one place, we’ve been able to see a high number of patients in a single day, offering them assessments and practical advice to help people manage their musculoskeletal conditions more effectively.
“We know that waiting for an appointment can be frustrating, so creating this kind of one-stop community environment not only improves access but also gives patients the confidence and tools they need while they wait for ongoing care.”
Following the trial at the LGH, UHL and partners will explore how the model could be developed further, helping to improve access, reduce waiting times, and deliver more joined-up care for patients across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.