Life Long Learning Project

 Networks - Regional Musculoskeletal Consultant Allied Health Professional (AHP) Network

Consultant AHP posts were first highlighted as a career opportunity over four years ago. At least eight posts have been appointed in the musculoskeletal speciality within the North West and Staffordshire region.

This group was established with a fundamental aim of developing a strategy to guide and influence the future provision of musculoskeletal services, education and research across a variety of health economies and academic environments.

The group helps to support individuals in post and shares best practice. It discusses local and national issues that affect musculoskeletal services. Members of the group debate opportunities to enhance services for musculoskeletal patients and highlight potential collaborative research projects. Currently it comprises of eight Consultant Therapists who specialise in musculoskeletal disease and chronic pain.

The group has arranged three ‘Good Practice Days’ which focus on sharing best practice in clinical, education, research and service redesign arenas. These days have been aimed at Clinical Specialist/ Extended Scope Practitioner level. Pervious days have been held at Keele University, Preston University and Whiston Hospital. The next Good Practice day will be held on November 28th 2006 at Keele University.

Whilst expertise is shared at this regional level, this group also provides a collective response for local and national issues that affect and influence musculoskeletal service provision. They have fed comments into the Department of Heath relating to the 18 week pathway. The group has also been instrumental in developing a meaningful relationship with the professional bodies around succession planning and support for such roles.

For more information contact
Kay Stevenson
Kay.stevnson@uhns.nhs.uk
Tel 01782 553817