Physiotherapy patients are being offered treatment in gyms and leisure centres in a pilot program by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust and ukactive. The initiative aims to improve access to musculoskeletal rehabilitation and therapy services in the community, making care more convenient by bringing it closer to patients’ homes.
The pilot, which is expected to benefit around 25,000 patients over 18 months, combines the expertise of the Trust’s specialist staff with high-quality gym equipment at various leisure centres. Patients can access a wider range of equipment than at hospital gyms, and the initiative also aims to lower transport costs, reduce travel time, and make it easier for patients to attend appointments.
Patients can use the wider gym facilities for free on the days they are attending physio services and can access discounted gym memberships once their treatment finishes. The program is also expected to reduce ‘no shows’ by an average of 6%. The partnership between Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust and ukactive is part of an effort to make physiotherapy more accessible and integrated into the community.
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