London Ambulance Service

TPN were asked to take over LAS’s physio provision in October 2010 and within 24 hours we had set up and implemented referrals from LAS Occupational Health Team.
TPN have now been working with LAS where station officers and duty managers refer patients direct to us for appropriate management of their musculoskeletal conditions.
The LAS Occupation Health Manager has commented below.
When I was tasked with putting in place a new physiotherapy service to replace our previous provider who was not fit-for-purpose, I had a wish list of demanding criteria – some of which are cited below:

  1. A comprehensive physiotherapy service which uses the appropriate treatments to promote, maintain and restore physical, psychological and social wellbeing, taking account of variations in health status.
  2. To deliver individually tailored and effective quality physiotherapy solutions and to a consistent, reliable and auditable process which will benefit staff and the London Ambulance Service.
  3. An industry leader whose record shows 80% of conditions can be resolved in less than five treatments; proven record of outstanding customer service and innovative healthcare provision.
  4. Comprehensive and professional physiotherapy reporting processes in terms of content and efficient administration and delivery.
  5. Comprehensive understanding of London Ambulance Service NHS Trust working environment and culture – across ALL staff groups .
  6. Managed physiotherapy treatments based upon prevention, clinically appropriate intervention and a co-ordinated return to work, in line with Dame Carol Black’s and Boorman Report recommendations.
  7. A Physiotherapy Service which makes a vital contribution to promoting health and maintaining wellness and which can illustrate within every physiotherapy interaction there is an element of patient education, prevention of injury or exercise prescription to maintain and improve functional outcome.
  8. A forward-thinking physiotherapy service adopting a ‘whole person’ approach. Activity-based rehabilitation and early return to work, or remaining in work are therapeutic and beneficial for health and wellbeing.

The Physiotherapy Network staff have been consistently outstanding and have successfully met ALL our criteria and we at the London Ambulance Service are proud to work in partnership with such a reputable and professional organisation. The staff are always courteous, considerate and friendly and incredibly knowledgeable in their field of expertise. To date the staff feedback I have received has been commendable and excellent, and individuals have often cited that they have felt listened to, positively encouraged to engage in their comprehensive treatment plans and also been educated to better understand how their bodies work.  

Fátima Fernandes
Staff Support, Counselling and Occupational Health Services Manager, London Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

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