Isle of Man Restores Regional Outpatient Physiotherapy Services

Outpatient physiotherapy services have been reinstated in the north and south of the Isle of Man. These services had been centralized at the Central Community Health Centre in Douglas during the coronavirus pandemic due to staff shortages and Covid restrictions. Manx Care announced that a successful recruitment drive has now enabled the team to operate from Thie Rosien in Port Erin and Ramsey Cottage Hospital. The outpatient service delivers treatment for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions, aiming to enhance their function and improve their ability to return to work. Susie Roelofse, the Outpatients lead, stated that the team was “really excited to be able be able to offer the services closer to peoples’ homes.” She further explained, “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.” Ms. Roelofse also noted that waiting lists have been reduced from 12 weeks to two since the end of the pandemic. This improvement is partly attributed to attracting “a significant number” of Manx physiotherapists back to the island to work for the service. Additionally, she mentioned that UK university physiotherapy students who completed clinical placements on the Isle of Man subsequently decided to return once fully qualified. The expansion to regional sites means that individuals invited to access the service can now choose the location most convenient for their appointments. In addition to treatment, patients receive information and support for setting their recovery goals. Referrals to the service are made by either a GP or an allied health professional.