Hundreds of people seen at one-stop physiotherapy event in Maidstone

Hundreds of people waiting for treatment for muscle, bone or joint conditions received expert advice and support at a specialist two-day NHS event in Maidstone last week.

More than 450 people were seen by a range of health and social care professionals and received appropriate advice and treatment at our community appointment days.

KCHFT Head of Service for Integrated Musculoskeletal (IMSK) Services, Kerry Smith, explained: “We are always trying new ways to help people get the care they need, while driving down our waiting times.

“Community appointment days are all about finding out what matters most to people and addressing issues promptly, by providing a range of experts under one roof.

“In many cases, we could take on-the-spot action, such as physiotherapy, guided exercises or pain-relieving injections.”

Retired plumber Bryan Lines, 80, from Aylesford, attended the event at Maidstone Leisure Centre. He said: “My shoulder has been troubling me for some time but I’m reluctant to have a replacement, for fear of the recovery time and being put under general anaesthetic.

Pictured above: Community appointment day attendee Bryan Lines, 80, with IMSK business administrator, Claire Drake.

“I feel in limbo as I can walk, drive and sleep, but the stabbing pains are getting more frequent and I have to be mindful with simple everyday chores like carrying a tray.

“I’d encourage anyone who gets an invitation to days like this to come along. The clinicians have really listened to me, which will help me make an informed decision about the possibility of a surgery that could affect mine, and my family’s lives.

“In the meantime, I’ve left with a referral to for further investigation, an updated exercise plan and some new coping methods for pain management – I feel really upbeat about the whole process.”

IMSK Clinical Service Manager and physiotherapist, Dawn Thundow, was on-hand to talk to people living with a range of conditions, from chronic pain to recent injuries. She said: “As well as helping to get people moving, our physios have been signposting them to wellbeing and lifestyle partners, so we can work together to best understand the impact on their day-to-day lives.

“Everyone has left with not just traditional physical strategies but also patient led care plans to improve their general health and wellbeing.”

Find out how we help people with musculoskeletal conditions in your area.