You can now refer yourself directly to the NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) and pain service for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, without needing to see a GP first.
The service is provided by Cora Health on behalf of the NHS and offers specialist assessment and treatment for musculoskeletal conditions and persistent pain. Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes Service – Cora Health
Who can use it?
The service is suitable for adults with problems such as:
- Back and neck pain
- Joint pain or stiffness (for example knee, hip or shoulder)
- Muscle, tendon and ligament injuries and sprains
- Long-standing (persistent) pain
Online self-referral is open to anyone aged 18 or over. If you are aged 16 or 17, please contact the surgery and we can refer you.
The service is not suitable if you:
- Have had a recent serious injury needing emergency care
- Are currently being investigated for suspected cancer
- Have a problem that is mainly neurological or unrelated to muscles, joints or pain
How to refer yourself
Online: complete a short self-assessment at
https://phio.eql.ai/provider/physionow2
By telephone: if you are unable to complete the online form, or have a question about the service, call 01908 229 432.
A family member or friend may refer on your behalf. They will need your name, date of birth, address and NHS number.
What happens next?
Your referral will be reviewed by the clinical team, who will then contact you by text, telephone or letter to arrange an appointment or, where appropriate, direct you to a more suitable service.
Further information is available at Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes Service – Cora Health
When to seek urgent help instead
Do not self-refer if you have back pain together with any of the following. Call 999 or attend A&E immediately:
- Numbness or tingling around your bottom or genitals
- New difficulty passing urine or controlling your bladder or bowels
- Weakness or numbness in both legs
Please also contact the surgery or NHS 111 urgently if your pain follows a significant fall or accident, or if you feel generally unwell with fever, unexplained weight loss or a hot, swollen joint.