Raising awareness of local NHS community services

A Community Appointment Day is being held at Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre in Salisbury on Wednesday 19 June 2024 for invited patients on the routine musculoskeletal physiotherapy waiting list.

The event which is being organised by Wiltshire Health and Care working with Wiltshire Council and other partners, will improve access and understanding of local community services and reduce waiting times for outpatient physiotherapy.

In addition to the usual one-to-one physiotherapy consultation, patients will also be able to engage with other healthcare services and even join in with exercise classes.

Shirley-Ann Carvill, Managing Director of Wiltshire Health and Care said: “I’m delighted our teams were instrumental in bringing partners together to hold this event for the benefit of the local community. The day is expected to improve waiting lists, build relationships with other stakeholder organisations and make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the local population.”

On the day a section of the sports hall will be dedicated to the Active Health team to run taster exercise classes as well as some recreational sporting activities. There will also be an exhibition of local health and support services highlighting help available. Health Improvement Coaches will offer support for weight management and smoking cessation, Wiltshire Talking Therapies will make patients aware of how they can access psychological therapies and Carer Support Wiltshire will advise how unpaid carers can access services, information, training and respite.

Based on the success and learning from this event, we will look at the opportunity to host further events to promote access to community services.