Service Overview
The Rotherham Musculoskeletal Clinical Assessment and Treatment Service (MSK CATS) provides an assessment and treatment service for routine orthopaedic conditions. Our specialist multi disciplinary team consists of Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Practitioners (OPPs), GP with extended orthopaedic skills, Podiatric Practitioners, Orthotic Practitioners, Orthopaedic and Podiatric Surgeons ,
Patients will receive an expert assessment by the health professional most appropriate to deal with their condition.
The service offers access to diagnostic services such as X-ray, MRI and ultrasound and onward referral to consultant of the patient’s choice where required.
Clinic times
8am - 4.30pm Monday - Friday
8am – 7.30pm Tuesday
Clinic locations
The service will be offered from a range of locations across Rotherham including:
- Rotherham Community Health Centre
- Rotherham General Hospital
- Maltby Joint Service Centre
Length of appointment
Appointment times will vary depending on the nature of the presenting condition but will be approximately 40 - 60 minutes for a first attendance and 15 – 30 minutes for a follow up visit.
What to bring
- Drug list: Repeat prescription or list of current medication
- Dress: It will be necessary for the clinician to see the area affected. If you have a neck or arm symptoms be prepared to undress to the waist. Please wear appropriate underwear and a vest top. If you have a low back or leg problem, it is useful to wear or bring shorts for the assessment and treatments.
- Chaperoning: You are more than welcome to bring a friend or relative to support you during your care.
What to expect
Assessment
The clinician you see will ask you about your current problem, how it is affecting your normal activities and how it has been treated so far. They will also need to know about your medical history including any x-rays or blood tests, medications and your day to day life.
The clinician will carry out an examination to find out which structures are causing the symptoms and will advise on how to improve your condition. Your symptoms will be fully explained to you.
Depending upon the condition, you will be provided with self help advice and information, treatment may be started, diagnostic investigations may be requested or arrangements may be made for you to see another member of the multidisciplinary team.
Feedback
To enable us to evaluate and improve our services, you may be asked to fill in a feedback form.
Booking your first appointment
Appointments are made by your GP (through a system called Choose and Book) and the appointment will be given to you at the time or your GP sends a referral to the service and we will contact you by post or telephone
Translators
If you require translation services please let your GP know so that the correct information can be forwarded to our service.
Transport
If you require transport for an appointment please let your GP know as this needs to be booked at the time of the appointment.
Changing your first appointment
If the appointment is inconvenient, the details for how to change an appointment if it was booked by your GP are on your appointment letter. If you receive an appointment letter from us but wish to change you appointment, please email rgh-tr.mskservice@nhs.net
Please give as much notice as possible to enable your appointment to be offered to another patient.
What to do if you cannot attend your follow up appointment
If you cannot attend your follow up appointment, please contact Tel. new number at RCHC. This line is open:
- Monday 8am to 8pm
- Tuesday to Thursday 8am to 6pm
- Friday 8am to 4.30pm
- Saturday 8.15am to 1.15pm
Alternatively email rgh-tr.mskservice@nhs.net
Please give as much notice as possible to enable your appointment to be offered to another patient.
We need to hear from you within one working day of any cancelled or missed appointment. If not, you will be discharged back to the care of your GP.
Your clinicians
Cherrilyn Birds, Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Practitioner
Sarah Bittles-Kincaid, Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Practitioner
Sally Blair, Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Practitioner
Vanessa Caudwell, Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Practitioner
Rachel Lewis, Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Practitioner
Jim Maskrey, Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Practitioner
Dr Kapeller, GP with Special Interest in Orthopaedics
Podiatric Practitioners
Podiatric Surgeon
Orthotic Practitioners
Orthopaedic Consultants
Additional information
Parking
Free parking is available on all sites except Rotherham General Hospital where charges apply.
Service expansion
New services will be in operation at Rawmarsh Joint Service Centre from Spring 2012.
