Physio direct is a phone service that has been set up to provide early advice and management for adults with back/neck/ joint problems or injuries.
Who will I speak to?
A chartered physiotherapist based at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. You can contact the service between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday on 0300 422 8128.
You will get through to an answer phone where you will be prompted to leave your name, contact details and a convenient time to for us to call you back. We aim to get back to you within 5 working days however please be aware that during busy periods it may be longer. Please do not ring again unless we call you back and ask you to do so.
What will happen on the phone?
Physio direct is an advice line, not an appointment line so when the physiotherapist calls you back you will be asked a series of questions to fully assess your problem. This can take around 10-15 minutes.
You will be asked questions about:
- Your problem and how it is affecting your daily life.
- Any other medical problems and current medication.
The physiotherapist will then discuss with you the most appropriate way of managing your condition which could include:
- Advice and exercises which will be sent to you in the post or via email.
- An appointment for further assessment/treatment as appropriate. All patients who need to be seen are given appointments based on clinical need and in line with the current waiting times.
What happens next?
After the call, you will be sent the contact details of the physiotherapist who you spoke to, along with the advice and/or tailored exercise programme.
What happens if I do not improve with the advice/exercises given?
If you are not getting any better in the time frame that we gave you, please contact the physiotherapist who you spoke to on the phone on 0300 422 8302. You do not need to go back to your doctor.
What if I don’t want to/am unable to speak to a Physiotherapist on the phone?
If you would prefer to see a physiotherapist in person, you can fill in a self referral form by coming into the therapy department at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital or online at www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/physio and click on the link ‘How can I see a Physiotherapist?’ complete and submit the referral form. You will be contacted to arrange an appointment, which will be booked in line with our current waiting times.