First Contact Practitioners (FCP)
Experiencing aches, pains, or discomfort in your muscles or joints? Meet your dedicated team – First Contact Practitioners (FCPs)!
– Next time you’re suffering from a musculoskeletal problem, ask your surgery if you can see an FCP first –
Non-urgent advice: What are FCPs?
Think of FCPs as your one-stop shop for all things musculoskeletal (MSK) at our GP Practices and Primary Care Network (PCN). These highly trained healthcare professionals are experts in diagnosing and guiding the management of MSK conditions, from back pain to sprains and strains.
Non-urgent advice: Why choose an FCP?
Faster access to care: No more waiting weeks for an appointment. FCPs offer prompt assessments, meaning you get the help you need sooner.
Expertise in MSK conditions: You’re in the hands of specialists who understand your specific problem and can provide an assessment with guidance where to go next.
Personalised care and advice: FCPs take the time to listen to your concerns and develop a plan that empowers you to manage your MSK health.
Efficient use of resources: FCPs can effectively manage many MSK conditions, reducing the need for unnecessary referrals or tests.
The results speak for themselves:
Only 2% of patients seeing an FCP needed further consultation with a GP.
74% of patients were able to manage their MSK condition effectively at home.
Hospital referrals decreased by 18%, freeing up resources for more complex cases.
100% of patients were satisfied with the FCP service and would recommend it to others.