physio service extension to merchant navy officers€¦ · physio service extension to merchant...
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Press release 26 August 2015 Seafarers Hospital Society extends free physiotherapy to officers Working at sea is one of the most challenging jobs in the UK, and the time spent offshore means it can be a problem getting treatment for work-‐related injuries. In 2011 the Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS) launched an innovative scheme to fund free physiotherapy for merchant navy ratings across the country on a trial basis. Now the scheme is being extended to officers and a new awareness campaign has been launched. Peter Coulson, SHS General Secretary, explained: “We launched the scheme as a pilot just over 4 years ago, limiting it to ratings. Since then we’ve funded treatment for over 160 ratings and helped them get back to work. Over 90 % of the ratings treated through the scheme reported an improvement in their condition, with two thirds making a full recovery. And over 90% of those on sick leave were able to return to work. But it’s not only ratings who suffer injuries at sea – officers are also exposed to the hazards of seafaring. We believe that the time is now right to extend the scheme. So, from the beginning of September, we will be making it available to officers as well as ratings.” The physiotherapy service for merchant seafarers is run by Connect Physiotherapy on behalf of the Seafarers Hospital Society. It’s available at times to suit individual requirements and in any location. All merchant navy seafarers need to do is ring 0191 247 5000 and arrange to speak to a chartered physiotherapist who will advise on how best to manage their condition, provide appropriate exercises and arrange for any necessary treatment to be provided locally. Ben Watling, Head of Corporate at Connect, said: “It is important that musculoskeletal problems are identified, understood and managed effectively. Fast access to physiotherapy can have a significant impact on the speed of recovery and prevent long term or recurrent problems. Our telephone advice line ‘PhysioLine’ supports early intervention and our UK wide network of physiotherapists are there to provide any necessary treatment for seafarers. We are pleased with the success of the pilot and the continued desire from SHS to support seafarers who may be suffering from aches, pains, strains and injuries, affecting their work, lifestyle, wellbeing and possibly livelihood”.
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SHS Health Development Manager, Georgina Robinson, said: “This service is a lifeline for seafarers, helping them get access to physiotherapy when they need it. The NHS provides rapid access self-‐referral services in some areas, but these NHS schemes are still relatively new and are not universally available. Our service is designed to complement the NHS, by targeting those with long-‐term conditions as well as those with acute problems, particularly in areas where rapid access self referral is not available. And with our scheme seafarers get a service that’s fast, flexible, supportive and responsive to their needs.” Most importantly, the SHS funded physiotherapy service has been welcomed by seafarers and feedback from patients has been extremely positive. “Due to the nature of my job I suffered from tennis elbow. I was referred to physio by my employer, through the Seafarers Hospital Society and Connect Physiotherapy. I filled in a few quick forms and the next thing, before I knew it, I received a physiotherapy appointment. The service improved my condition and the physiotherapist gave me a few simple exercises to help me manage my condition and to remain at work. I would recommend this service without a doubt,” reported one Deck Hand. And an Able Seaman working on a supply vessel was equally positive: “I work on a supply vessel and tripped over a gangway net. I put my arm out to stop myself, broke my arm and dislocated my shoulder. After I had the break sorted, I was still in a lot of pain so I went to the NHS for physiotherapy. The next available appointment they had was four weeks away. I was referred to the Seafarers Hospital Society physio by my employer. I received treatment from Connect Physiotherapy and went back to work 3 weeks later. I would certainly recommend this service: I received outstanding treatment and now have 98% use of my arm.” Ends For further information contact Georgina Robinson on 020 8858 3696. Notes to editors • For copies of leaflets and posters publicising this service email
georginarobinson@seahospital.org.uk or call the SHS on 020 8858 3696 • The Seafarers Hospital Society (formerly known as the Seamen’s Hospital.
Society) is a charity that has been caring for the health and welfare of seafarers since 1821.
• For more information about SHS go to www.seahospital.org.uk • For more information about Connect’s Occupational Physiotherapy services
go to www.connectphysiotherapy.co.uk/occupationalphysiotherapy
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