ACP spinal specialists join the Rheumatology Team at Christchurch
10 August 2020
Three Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) have recently joined the Rheumatology Team at Christchurch to help manage patients with spinal pain.
The ACPs will spend time with patients to help them understand and manage their condition but also have the experience to identify a diagnosis when a specific intervention may be required. They have close links with the rheumatologists but also regularly communicate with the spinal surgeons, pain consultants, specialist physiotherapists and pain management services as well as having links with regional and national spinal clinical networks.
The development of this service is part of the local implementation of the National Back and Radicular Pain Pathway and is in line with NICE guidelines.
ACPs James Beck, Richard Stanley and Derrick Alner have a combined experience of over 50 years in managing musculoskeletal pain and run 15 clinics in a week. With their knowledge, experience and clinical network they are well placed to not only provide specific targeted care but they can also offer guidance and signpost patients on to other people or organisations that can help them.
Speaking about the new roles, James said: “People with intrusive back pain and associated neurological symptoms have always been a difficult problem for the NHS to manage.
“There are only a few people who have a specific diagnosis that requires medical or surgical intervention. Historically people have waited long periods to see a medic or surgeon to be told that nothing further needs to be done.
“As ACPs we are able to spend more time with patients to help them understand their condition and their options. With the right advice and help they can regain their confidence in managing their symptoms and return to a more active and fulfilling life.”
