Empowering patients with personalised support and better access to spinal health services
Patients on the specialist spinal surgery waiting list who live in Oldham and Rochdale were invited to attend a Spinal Community Assessment Day at Oldham Athletic.
The event aimed to provide individuals with techniques and knowledge to manage their spinal health, while also supporting those who require surgery to achieve the best possible health before treatment.
This initiative was delivered in partnership with Oldham Athletic Community Trust and several other local organisations, testing a new way of working collaboratively with the NHS.
Michelle Angus, consultant physiotherapist at Salford’s Spinal Department, said: “This day is about listening to our patients and working together to explore how best they can manage their condition. By offering personalised care, we aim to support patients with a plan that is right for them, ideally reducing the need for invasive surgery. “
Attendees had the opportunity to speak with a range of specialists, including surgeons, physiotherapists, and lifestyle coaches. Health MOT checks were also available.
The programme challenges the perception that surgery is the only long-term solution by bringing together different services to address spinal health conditions in a more integrated way.
Moneeza Iqbal, director of integration and provider collaboration for the NHS in Oldham, said: “This is a great example of collaboration between the NHS and partners including Action Together, Pennine MSK, Oldham Active, and Oldham Council’s Get Oldham Working team. All were on hand to offer support and advice.
“People may want to join a walking group to get more active or speak to someone about how to stay in work while managing back pain.”
This work supports the NHS 10-Year Health Plan by focusing on care in the community and away from the hospital as well as Greater Manchester and Oldham’s Live Well agenda.
