Jordan Hepburn - Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner (GP APP)

A GP Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner (APP) now works within our practice. If you have, or think you have, a musculoskeletal (MSK) problem they provide an alternative to seeing your GP.

They provide expert assessment of MSK conditions i.e. muscle, bone and joint problems such as back, neck, shoulder or knee pain. They can provide you with a clinical diagnosis, give you advice on how to manage the problem and suggest appropriate exercise for you to work on independently.

With your agreement and when appropriate, they can refer you to specialist services such as physiotherapy for supported rehab, X-Ray or orthopaedics. If needed they can liaise with your GP to arrange medication or discuss any non- MSK symptoms which might have been found.

You can request an appointment with the GP APP; you may also be directed to them by reception staff who have had training to help them guide you to GP APP. Your GP may also ask you to see the GP APP for an expert MSK opinion. 

Jordan is scheduled to work Wednesdays in the practice.

When should I see a GP or GP Advanced physiotherapy practitioner (GPAPP) in my GP Surgery?

• If you are not sure that the problem is MSK, or that physiotherapy rehabilitation is the right treatment option for you, or you would like an assessment and to discuss your treatment options
• If you feel your referral to MSK out patients is urgent
• If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below you must contact your GP surgery or NHS111
  • Fainting
  • Bowel/bladder problems
  • Reduced or altered sensation in your groin, genitals or back passage area
  • Weakness in both legs
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Swallowing problems
  • Speech impairment
  • History of cancer

When should I self refer to MSK out patients physiotherapy

• If your referral is routine and you are over 16
• You have ONE MSK condition /area you would like assessed.
• You can attend the out patient clinic

If your problem is urgent, severe or getting worse then you should call NHS 111 or contact your GP practice.

MUSCLE OR JOINT PROBLEMS?

Do you have a muscle or joint problem?  You can now self-refer to physiotherapy.

MSK ADULT PHYSIOTHERAPY self-referral for Edinburgh patients guidelines are:

• Please note only adults 16+ can self refer
• Self referral is for ROUTINE out-patients physiotherapy appointments only.
• We only accept referrals from patients from Edinburgh GP Practices
• People can refer themselves for ONE problem only
• Home visits can only be arranged with a GP referral to Physio @ Home

For continence problems and walking aid referrals, please use a separate self-referral form which can be accessed at the same link listed below.

Collars, wrist splints, knee braces, maternity belts etc cannot be routinely provided.

The form can be found at:

Physiotherapy - Self-referral

It should  be printed out and posted to us at the address below:

Physiotherapy Department

Slateford Medical Centre

27 Gorgie Park Close

Edinburgh

EH14 1NQ

NHS Lothian is asking anyone with a minor injury to Call MIA first to get advice about minor injuries quickly and safely.

To discuss your injury and arrange an appointment if required call 111 after initial message press 9 to continue then Option 2 and Option 2 again.

Call MIA is an online video consultation service for patients aged 12 years and over who have an injury less than 14 days old. It is carried out by a qualified Nurse Practitioner who can provide advice in minutes on injuries including:

• strains, sprains and suspected broken bones of arms and legs
• wounds and minor burns
• minor bumps to head and face
• simple eye injuries
• insect bites and stings

A lot of minor injuries can be treated from the comfort of your own home or with the help of a local pharmacist. If you do need to be examined in person, Call MIA will arrange a suitable appointment at a minor injuries service so you don’t need to wait when you attend.

If your minor injury is over 14 days old, please contact your local GP.

Children aged 12 years and under should attend one of the services at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (located next to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France), Western General Hospital or St John’s Hospital.