The FHFT Spinal Support Advice and Guidance (A&G) service is a referral support service through which primary care clinicians can book telephone or Microsoft Teams appointments with FHFT spinal consultants and Advanced Practice Physiotherapists. The service enables clinicians to discuss any patient with a spinal condition who may require imaging or support with diagnosis or management. This service should be used before considering an MSK spinal referral where there is no direct access to MRI diagnostics, or where support is required because of diagnostic or management uncertainty. 

We have received feedback from the Trauma and Orthopaedics Spinal Outpatients Booking Team that, on some occasions, patients have been given the Spinal A&G telephone number or have been informed of, or invited to attend, an appointment arranged for a professional discussion between their GP and an FHFT clinician. 

Please remind colleagues that the A&G telephone number and the telephone or Microsoft Teams appointment details are for healthcare professionals only. These appointments are intended to allow the patient’s primary care clinician to discuss the patient’s care and further management with an FHFT clinician. Patients should not be asked to attend the appointment or call the A&G line, and the contact or appointment details should not be shared with them. 

We would be grateful for your support in circulating this reminder within your teams and ensuring that the service is used appropriately. 

Thank you very much for your cooperation.