The ever-increasing waitlists for treatment within the NHS are constantly in the news. Long-term conditions including musculoskeletal ailments, rheumatological conditions, the treatment of overweight patients and those with diabetes, as well as patients recovering from cancer have some of the longest waiting periods. That lack of access to care is creating worsening health outcomes for millions of Britons. 

It is imperative for individuals to take more control of their health. Retaining muscle as we age, improving cardiovascular health and maintaining a level of fitness reduces risk of chronic pain and reduces risk of ‘lifestyle diseases’. The government has announced a future focus on prioritising prevention over treatment, which is a welcome development. However, many patients still are either unable to access the insights of medical professionals or are unsure of their options. Self-referring to a physio, a strength & conditioning coach or a nutritionist can help people suffering from existing health conditions improve their quality of life. 

To talk about these topics in more detail, we’re joined by Pure Sports Medicine’s Chief Clinical Officer, Claire Small, and its Medical Director, Dr. John Etherington. 

Here are the topics we covered off: 

• The barriers to care for patients with long-term health conditions (2:45)
• The risk factors when patients experience long waiting times for treatment (5:30)
• How inadequate access to care can affect our mental wellbeing (9:30)
• Options for care outside of the NHS (15:15) 
• Why empowering patients to take control of their health leads to positive outcomes (25:00)
• Some of the markers that patients should look for in their general health (30:00)
• How a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach can help patients achieve better health outcomes (37:00) 

Speaker Bios 

Claire Small: https://puresportsmed.com/team/claire-small/ 

Dr. John Etherington: https://puresportsmed.com/team/dr-john-etherington-cbe/ 

Pure Sports Medicine is the UK’s leading provider of musculoskeletal, sport and exercise medicine, providing access to the highest standards of non-surgical medical care delivered by our team of world-class specialists working together all under one roof. Our team approach means efficient and effective treatment with same day referrals where needed to ensure you have the exact people around you that you need.

In this podcast we hand the mic to our team of experts including, Physiotherapists, Sport & Exercise Medicine consultants, Nutritionists, Strength & Conditioning Coaches, Soft Tissue Therapists and many more, to bring you the most up-to-date information and advice to help you achieve your sporting or fitness goals. We'll give you tips on avoiding injury and managing new or ongoing conditions with the goal of helping you get back to your best.

For more expert info and advice right at your fingertips, check out the links below:

Website: www.puresportsmed.com
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pure-sports-medicine