Christchurch weekend clinic treats 100 patients to cut waiting lists

Physios and therapists from various NHS organisations looked after the patients

A community hospital that usually closes at the weekend welcomed about 100 patients on Saturday as part of push to cut NHS waiting lists.

People with musculoskeletal problems were booked in to the special clinic at Christchurch Hospital in Dorset.

They were greeted by physios and various therapists, with students doing medical-based courses at Bournemouth University also helping out.

It is the second time an event like this has been held in Dorset.

In January 125 patients attended an assessment day at Poole Hospital that reduced waiting times by nine weeks.

Chris Efford, lead for the musculoskeletal therapy service at University Hospitals Dorset, said the NHS's challenges needed "innovative approaches"

Chris Efford, University Hospitals Dorset musculoskeletal therapy service lead, said: "These facilities normally are closed at the weekends and our staff aren't normally working at the weekends - it's over-timed by our staff to improve access and to improve the quality of care for our patients."

Mr Efford said waiting lists were "a challenge across the NHS at the moment".

"It's a good thing for us to think outside the box," he said.

"I think those innovative approaches are what we're going to need to tackle some of those challenges in the NHS."

The hospital is in the process of planning another Saturday clinic to support more patients waiting for treatment.

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