Physio Direct
What is the service?
Physio Direct is direct access to physiotherapy
assessment and advice by telephone.
What are the aims and benefits?
- You can refer yourself without seeing your GP.
- Prompt advice and exercises to help you with early
recovery.
- Help manage your condition without needing a physiotherapy
appointment.
What conditions does the service cover?
- Joint, muscle and spinal problems
- New or existing conditions, for example, back pain or sports
injuries
What does the service not cover?
- Conditions affecting your breathing
- Long term neurological problems
If you have any of these conditions your GP will be able to
assist you and decide if specialist physiothereapy may be
helpful.
How does the service work?
Please ring the Physio Direct number, 0117 342 2306. You may get
through immediately to speak to a physiotherapist, alternatively
you may be required to leave your name and telephone contact
details. We aim to return your call within 48 hrs. You can help us
by providing as many contact numbers as possible (work, mobile
etc).
The physiotherapist will carry out a telephone consultation and
will provide you with personalised advice and exercises if
needed. You will be referred for
face-to-face if it is felt that it is
required.
How long will it take?
Approximately 20-30 minutes
What if a physiotherapist can not get in contact with me?
A physiotherapist will try to contact you on two seperate
days. If they cannot contact you on the second attempt, they will
leave a message, requesting you call back if you still require the
service.
Who will I speak to?
All the physiotherapists who work on Physio Direct are chartered
physiotherapists and are registered with the Health
Professions Council (HPC). All have recieved additional
training before working on Physio Direct.
What if my condition is the same after being given advice?
If you have followed the advice and exercises and feel there has
been little change, you are advised to call Physio Direct again and
an appointment can be made if appropriate.
What if my condition gets worse?
You should phone Physio Direct to discuss the situation
with the physiotherapist and if neccessary an appointment will
be organised.
Is Physio Direct an emergency service?
No. If you have sustained a serious injury or suspect a broken
bone you should visit your nearest Accident and Emergency
department. If you require medication you should contact your
GP.
Who can use this service?
This service is accessible to all staff working for UHBristol,
NBT, Weston Area Health Trust, North Somerset
PCT and some private
organisations maintaining with APOHS Occupational health
contracts. If you are unsure as to whether you can access Physio
Direct please telephone: 0117 342 2306.
Who might the service be unsuitable for?
People who find telephone assessment difficult. If this is the
case then contact your GP or your Occupational Health
Department.
Physio Direct contact details:
Telephone: 0117 342 2306
If you have any comments about the service please contact Vics
Pledge, Whitefriars Centre, Lewins Mead, Bristol, BS1 2NT.
