Regional physiotherapy services reinstated

The Isle of Man's healthcare body has expanded its physiotherapy service

Physiotherapy services for outpatients have been reinstated in the north and south of the Isle of Man after being centralised during the coronavirus pandemic.

Staff shortages and Covid restrictions had led to treatment being cut back to being solely offered at the Central Community Health Centre in Douglas.

Manx Care said that following a successful recruitment drive, the team was now able to operate operate from Thie Rosien in Port Erin and Ramsey Cottage Hospital.

The outpatient service provides treatment for people with musculoskeletal conditions to enhance function and increase ability to return to work.

Outpatients lead Susie Roelofse said the team was "really excited to be able be able to offer the services closer to peoples' homes".

"Some people aren't able to travel because of their functional limitations or pain, so we've worked really hard over the last few years to plan, fill our vacant posts and get back out into community sites," she said.

Setting goals

Ms Roelofse said waiting lists had been reduced from 12 weeks to two since the end of the pandemic, in part due to attracting "a significant number" of Manx physiotherapists back to the island work for the service.

There were also UK university physiotherapy students given clinical placements on the Isle of Man who had then decided to return when fully qualified, she added.

The expansion to regional sites means that people invited to access the service will now be able to choose the location that best suits them for appointments.

In addition to treatment, patients are provided with information and support with setting goals for their recovery.

Referrals to the service are made by either a GP or an allied health professional.