New NHS service launches in town

The clinic has been set up at the Anchor Healthcare Centre, on Meridian Way, by the Sussex MSK Partnership East.

Patients will have a 30-45 minute appointment with a specialist health practitioner known as an Extended Scope Practitioner (ESP). ESPs are physiotherapists who have specialist knowledge of musculoskeletal problems and can diagnose and recommend follow up treatment.

The service is helping patients to be seen and treated quickly and closer to home.

Toby Lambourne is one of the ESPs at the clinic at the Anchor Healthcare Centre. He explained how the service is transforming healthcare for local patients. He said: “It’s all about delivering high quality health services where people need them most – that is, close to where they live.

“The more we can treat people in their community the better, both for patients and the health economy.

“The term ‘musculoskeletal’ covers a huge range of bone, joint and muscle conditions, including arthritis, sports injuries and back problems to name but a few.  Our team is made up of medical experts with different specialisms, which means we can make sure our patients get to see the most appropriate specialist to treat their problem. “

One of the first patients to be seen at the new clinic in Peacehaven was local resident Tony Poore, who works as an electrician and is a keen golf player. He had been suffering with aggressive pain in his knee and was referred by his GP to the MSK service. 

“It was great to be able to come to the clinic in Peacehaven.  I expected to have to go to the hospital in Brighton or Eastbourne.  The ESP was extremely thorough and spent a lot of time talking about my condition. I’m very impressed with the service so far.”

Patients are initially referred to the Sussex MSK Partnership East by their GP. Once referred, the partnership looks after them throughout treatment and organises follow-up appointments.  Clinics are also held in Seaford, Crowborough and Eastbourne.

Dr Irma Murjikneli, a GP at Meridian Surgery, said: “It’s great for local patients to be able to come somewhere they know and can easily get to, especially for those who don’t have their own transport.”

For further information, visit www.sussexmskpartnershipeast.co.uk.

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