The Musculoskeletal Assessment and Treatment Service
What is the MSKCAT Service?
The MSKCAT service is a new service commissioned by your GPs to ensure those people who have a musculoskeletal problem (a problem with their muscles, bones or joints e.g. lower back pain) are promptly assessed by the correct specialist health professional. This assessment aims to take place as close to home as possible. Following the assessment a plan will be made between the health professional and yourself recommending the best course of action for your particular problem.
The plan may include:
- Referral to Physiotherapy
- Referral to Podiatry
- Further investigations such as X-Ray or MRI scan
- Injection therapy/acupuncture
- Review of medication by specialised GP
- Referral into a local community group such as active lifestyles
- Referral onto consultant
You will also have the opportunity to discuss and receive information on your condition and how you can manage it most effectively. A number of useful leaflets and further information about common musculoskeletal conditions can be found within this site. Your GP will have a copy of the referral guidelines for orthopaedic conditions (conditions of the skeletal system and/or associated muscles), click here to view a copy of these guidelines.
Who is in the MSKCAT team?
The team includes highly specialised
physiotherapists, podiatrists and GP
plus admin support. Clinics are run in a
number of locations in the Gloucester
and the Forest of Dean localities.
The team also has close links with local
GP’s, other health professionals and services within local communities such as
exercise and support groups.
How do you get Referred?
Your GP, following a consultation, will refer you to the service. At the consultation with your GP, they will issue you with this leaflet and we will contact you as soon as we receive the referral rom your GP. This will be to make an appointment for an assessment at a location near to your home. If you have not been contacted within 7 working days please telephone.
What do you need for your appointment?
Please bring a list of your current medication or please bring your completed pre assessment form. You may be required to undress for the assessment to take place and may see a male or female specialist. Please let us know beforehand if you would like a chaperone or if this poses any difficulties for you. If your problem is complex you may see more than one practitioner during your consultation.
What if you need to see a consultant?
If the MSKCAT team recommend that
you need to see a consultant they will
discuss with you the choice of consultant
and location you would prefer. They
will refer you for any appropriate investigations before you attend your
consultant appointment. The reason for
this is so that as much information as
possible is with the consultant before
your apointment, which speeds up your treatment.
How can you give your opinion on the new service?
You will be given a comments card when you see us. Your feedback is very important to us. Please complete the card and place it in the box provided.
You can also click here for information on how to let us know about any Compliments, Comments, Concerns or Complaints you might have.
We also have a comment form that you may wish to use to let us know about our services overall.
Musculoskeletal Clinical Assessment and Treatment Service - Leaflets
Click here to view the service leaflet.
This leaflet is also available in Polish, Mandarin Chinese and Gujarati. If you wish to receive this leaflet in other languages including Czech, Slovak, Urdu, Bengali and Arabic, please write to:
FREEPOST RRYY-KSGT-AGBR, GUiDE & PALS,
NHS Gloucestershire, Sanger House,
5220 Valiant Court, Gloucester Business Park,
Brockworth, Gloucester GL3 4FE
Click here to view the MRI department leaflet
Click here to view the location map of the MRI service
How to contact us:
MSKCAT
Gloucestershire Care Services
Edward Jenner Court
Pioneer Avenue
Gloucester Business Park
Brockworth
Gloucestershire
GL3 4AW
Telephone: 08456 598323
Or click here to email us
