Outpatient Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and MSK Triage Service - FAQ's

Physio, OT and MSK CATS Service

I have finished my treatment but would like to speak with my clinician. How can I contact them?

We understand that even after you finish your treatment, you may have further questions about your treatment or your condition.

If you would like to speak with a clinician, you will need an appointment.

If you were offered a Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU), and your last appointment was less than 12 weeks ago, you can book an appointment with your clinician. Please contact us to book.

Outpatient Therapy Services: 01246 565050
Musculoskeletal CATS : 0115 951 2432

If you have been discharged, or your last appointment was more than 12 weeks ago, you will need a new referral. For Musculoskeletal CATS, please contact your GP and ask for a new referral. For Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, you can self-refer online or via telephone.

Online Referrals: Outpatient Musculoskeletal Therapy Self-Referral
Telephone Referrals: 01246 565050

I have been sent for an investigation (MRI/Xray/Ultrasound/Blood test) and I have not had my results yet.

The wait time for investigations does vary, however if you have not heard anything 8 weeks after you had your investigation please contact Musculoskeletal CATS at : 0115 9512432.

MSK CATS Service

I have been referred to another hospital but have not heard anything from them. Can I speak with the clinician?

Please contact the hospital you have been referred to. You should have received a booking letter with their details. This may have been sent to you via text message or email, please check your spa folder.

If you have not received a letter, please contact Musculoskeletal CATS at: 0115 9512432.

I have had my appointment with another hospital, and I am not happy with the outcome. Can I speak to the clinician?

Please contact the hospital you have seen and ask to speak with them or ask them to transfer your care to another hospital. If they have discharged you, please contact your GP for a new referral to your chosen hospital.

If you have any problems moving your care to a different hospital, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) who will be able to help you. You can contact PALS via telephone or email.

Telephone: 0800 032 3235
Email: ddicb.pals@nhs.net

I have been referred to a hospital, but their waiting time is too long. Can I go somewhere else?

Please contact the hospital you have been referred to and ask them to transfer your care to another hospital.

My planned Care website gives you advice and support while you wait and helps you prepare for you hospital consultation, treatment6 or surgery. This includes information about waittimes at your hospital and other local services.

My Planned Care NHS

Telephone: 0800 032 3235
Email: ddicb.pals@nhs.net

I was told I can have another injection. How can I book an appointment?

Please call the Physiotherapy service on 01246 565050. Please note, you may need a new assessment before you have another injection.

I forgot to attend my appointment. Can I book another appointment?

We will attempt to call you on three separate occasions on or after your appointment time to check if you still require an appointment.

If we are unable to speak to you and you call us back within two weeks of your missed appointment we can re-book the next available appointment for you. However, if we have not heard from you within 2 weeks of your missed appointment, you will be discharged from the service and you will need to call the booking line to self-refer to the service again.

If you miss 2 appointments in a row, we will discuss future appointments with you to see if there is anything further the service can do to support you to attend future appointments.