First contract physiotherapists, commonly referred to as FCPs, are physiotherapists who are based in GP surgeries and have expertise in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions. Our FCP service is run through One Ellesmere Port Primary Care Network and you can book an appointment directly with a physiotherapist via the Patient Services Team, which means you won’t need to wait for a referral from a doctor. You will be offered a convenient appointment for a face to face appointment to see one of the FCP practitioners operating out of the six GP practices in Ellesmere Port.
How can the First Contact Physiotherapists help me?
The FCPs are trained in providing a first contact service and will:
- Assess you and diagnose what is happening
- Give expert advice on how best to manage your condition
- Refer you on to specialist services if necessary for further physiotherapy treatment
You may be eligible for an appointment with a physiotherapist for one of the following problems:
- Ankle: ankle pain or ligament sprains
- Shoulder: pain or dislocation
- Hand: finger or thumb pain
- Elbow: elbow pain, tennis or golfers elbow
- Knee: pain, swelling or pain on walking
- Foot: heel, foot or Achilles tendon pain
- Back: neck, mid-back, lower back or sciatica
- Wrist: wrist pain or carpal tunnel
- Hip: hip or groin pain, or pain on walking
Referral to a First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP)
You do not need an appointment with your GP to make a referral to the physiotherapists. You can ring the medical centre and speak to a member of our Patient Services Team, and just let them know you want a referral to the first contact physiotherapists. The team will just confirm what area needs treatment to generate the referral and provide you with a time and date.