Improving musculoskeletal support and care

We are working together across Surrey to improve care and support for people with muscle, joint and bone problems. This are also known as musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and they include back pain, arthritis, neck pain, sprains, and other conditions that affect movement and strength.

These problems can make everyday activities such as walking, lifting, dressing, or working more difficult. They can also affect mental wellbeing, confidence, and independence — especially if pain or stiffness becomes long-term.

Our programme brings together patients, carers, health professionals and community partners to make it easier for people to get the right help at the right time, closer to home.

We want to:

• Improve access to advice, assessment and treatment
• Reduce waiting times so people can get support sooner
• Support people to live well, stay active and manage their condition with confidence

By redesigning MSK services, we aim to create a more connected and responsive system that works better for everyone — whether you’re a patient, a carer, or a healthcare provider.

By improving how people access help and manage their condition early on, we can reduce pain, improve quality of life, and ease pressure on health and care services.

• 1 in 4 adults in the UK live with an MSK condition.
• In Surrey alone approximately 175,000 people are affected accounting for 17% of our overall population.
• MSK problems are one of the main reasons for time off work and long-term disability.
• They account for around 30% of GP consultations and cost the NHS billions each year in treatment, rehabilitation and social care support.

We want everyone in Surrey to have quick, easy and fair access to the right care and support for their muscle, joint and bone (MSK) health.

Our vision is to create a joined-up system that helps people stay active, independent and well — wherever they are on their health journey.

By working together, we can make MSK care simpler, faster and more focused on what matters most to each person.  We want MSK services in Surrey to provide:

• faster access – so people can get assessments, advice and treatment sooner.
• joined-up care – with GPs, community teams and hospitals working closely together.
• support for self-care and prevention – giving people the tools and confidence to manage their condition and stay well.
• better use of digital tools – to make it easier to find information, book appointments and track progress.
• personalised care for everyone – recognising that each person’s needs are different, and tackling health inequalities across Surrey.

Our work focuses on several key areas:

Referral and Triage

Making it simpler and faster for people to be directed to the most appropriate service first time — reducing delays and unnecessary appointments.

Primary Care (GP practices) and First Contact Practitioners (FCP) (specialised Physiotherapists)

Supporting GPs and FCPs (specialised physiotherapists) to assess and manage MSK problems early, so patients can get expert advice and treatment close to home.

Community Musculoskeletal (MSK) Services

Strengthening local services so people can access physiotherapy, rehabilitation and ongoing support in their own communities.

Digital and Access Solutions

Using digital tools to make it easier to book appointments, find reliable information and stay in touch with health professionals.

Prevention and Education

Helping people stay active, reduce pain and prevent future problems through better information, exercise and self-management support.

Waiting List Improvement (in line with the National Get It Right First Time-GIRFT)

Reducing waiting times by improving how services are planned and delivered, using best-practice guidance from the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme.

Co-design with Communities and Partners

Working closely with the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector and other non-NHS partners to design services that truly reflect local needs and experiences.