Allied Health Professionals Suffolk (Physiotherapy)

After doing a self referral initially I had 2 weeks of exercises to do and then an appointment about 2 weeks later. I was then referred straight on to BANS clinic and have had a 4 week wait for this appointment. The exercises I was given have been easy enough to follow and so far have helped. The problem is the chronic pain I'm in, it's a big problem.

After seeing the physio team they have referred me on to the back and neck service. I've waited 4 weeks for this initial appointment and have been happy with the staff at all points as they have explained everything really well and answered questions I've had. I'm very early in the process now so not sure what will happen. Initially I asked my GP for an xray but was told that the physios would have to do the referral.

I had regular physio for my back problem before being referred to the back and neck service and I've now been seen a couple of times. The staff are lovely it's just that everything takes so long. I have an MRI arranged for late in December but even once the MRI is done there will be the wait for it to be reviewed and then a further wait to find out what will happen next. I carry on doing the exercises that I've been given but they don't really have any positive impact. I have a long term and deteriorating problem and my last MRI was in 2017 and I do feel I've had to really push to get this one. I have multiple issues and one of the issues is that any issues that come up are immediately linked to the condition even if I know they are not related at all. I've been off work due to the pain I'm in for 5-6 weeks already and it's going to be so much longer as nothing is going to be addressed for quite some time yet.

After my GP arranged an xray I then referred to physio at Riverside. I saw them a few times before the decision was made to refer me on to the consultant. The staff I saw were great, explained the problem and what the next steps would be. I was really happy with how quickly and easily a decision was made to refer me on.

The self referral process is excellent and I've used it for a couple of issues including back and shoulder problems. I've had quick appointments arranged and been given appropriate exercises. With my back I had a relapse and just contacted them again to get support. It's great to have a local venue for the appointments.

Having had an incredibly poor experience initially, I left a review explaining why I was so disappointed. I was contacted and asked if I would be prepared to give it a second go, but with her. I admit I was a bit sceptical but I don't regret accepting her offer. She was patient, kind and understood that being older doesn't mean having to accept a less active lifestyle. She encouraged me to keep pushing myself and not accept that I was beyond help. The outcome of this is that I can walk reasonable distances (up to 20 miles so far), at a good pace although not up to my previous speed yet, and I have set myself a target to complete a marathon next Summer. I am no longer taking regular pain relief as I no longer need to and I feel stronger generally. To say I am grateful is an understatement. Thank you so much.

Been through the sessions but they are almost too generic rather than suitable for specific issues.

The problem I've had is that the referral only focuses on one issue and I have few things that need looking at but each would need a separate referral. I've been in pain but it was implied that there was nothing wrong and then I was put on a back course but it wasn't really relevant so didn't help. The individual staff are nice, it just hasn't really worked for me yet.

Happy that I've been able to have the appointment with the same person and they've been able to go through the exercises to do well. I've used the service a few times and have been referred by my GP, the hospital and this time I did a self referral. It can be difficult to remember to do the exercises so it is important for me to have back up at home so that I do the exercises, I have found that the exercises have made a difference.

The hospital suggested getting on the pathway so I completed the online form which was easy and then got a quick response. I had a two week wait for the first appointment with exercises to do in the meantime. I found the videos worked very well and staff were interested to listen and take in what was happening. I've had a two week gap and then my next appointment, the exercises I've done so far have helped.