Self-Referrals
Physiotherapy
Musculoskeletal Advice and Triage Service
Call free on 0800 917 9390 - Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
This helpline is a phone triage service for people experiencing muscle, back or joint problems.
These problems are often known as musculoskeletal or MSK for short. Many MSK problems will settle with self-care and often you do not need to see a Healthcare Professional.
Fully trained call operators, supported by clinicians, offer expert advice about what you can do to treat and manage your condition.
If required, they can refer you to a local NHS Healthcare Professional – such as a Physiotherapist or Podiatrist
MATS helpline CAN help with:
- Safely directing you to key information and advice to help with your problem
- Finding out if you need to see an NHS Healthcare Professional about your MSK problem
- Arranging for your details to be sent to a Healthcare Professional if required
MATS helpline CAN’T help you with
- Booking and managing appointments
Arranging home visits – this should be arranged by your doctor
What happens when I phone? - You will be asked a series of questions normally lasting around seven minutes. Callers will be directed to key self-care information to help with their MSK problem. This information can be found on the website – www.nhsinform.co.uk/msk
If you require additional support, it may be suggested that your details are sent to your local NHS service who will arrange an appointment for you.
No improvement with self-care advice
You might feel some pain and discomfort when you start to exercise, this is normal. If you symptoms don’t improve after two weeks following advice on the website call MSK service back.
Referral to an NHS Healthcare Professional
If your details have been sent to your local NHS service, you do not need to call them. They will contact you about an appointment for physiotherapy treatment.
Eligibility
To use this service you must be aged over 16 and registered with a GP.
MSK Help App
The MSK help app has great self-care info for use on the go. Get the app free for Apple iOS @ tinyurl.com/d57q78j and Android tinyurl.com/c9zjgm3.
Opticians
Opticians are highly trained professionals who are able to help with most eye complaints. They have much better equipment than a GP to examine your eyes. If required they can also refer you to the hospital for further assistance.
Examples of things opticians can help with -
- Eye Infections
- Dry Eyes
- Stye
- Foreign body in eye
- Headaches
Stress / Low Mood / Anxiety – where can I get help?
There are many mental health problems which do not require medication. Psychological support and self help can go a long way to helping improve your situation. Below is a list of resources which you may find useful to access and help yourself.
If after trying these, you are not improving or feel you need further support, please book an appointment with a GP to discuss.
Local resources in Falkirk
- Quiet Waters
- Counselling
- 01324 630643 or https://quiet-waters.org
- Stress Control Course
- Free 6 week course to teach you how to control stress more effectively - 01259 215048 or book online https://bookwhen.com/imhs
Other Useful Self-referral services
Central Sexual Health
- Contraception including emergency contraception and condoms
- Longer lasting contraception e.g. implants and coils
- Pregnancy testing, advice and referral for termination of pregnancy
- Testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections , including HIV
- Safer sex advice, general advice and support for any sexually related problems or concerns
- 01324 673554 - Monday-Friday 8.30am – 1.00pm to arrange appointment
- Helpline 01324 673563 – Monday-Friday 2pm-4pm
Termination of Pregnancy
- You can self refer to the clinic on 01324 673555
Losing weight and Getting Active – useful websites
- NHS Choices - http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/loseweight/Pages/how-to-diet.aspx
- Physical activity guidelines - http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Documents/adults-19-64years.pdf
- Join a local slimming club