Residents of Lancashire and South Cumbria are being encouraged to have their say as the NHS updates its policy on treatments for soft-tissue injuries like tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis.
NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board regularly looks at evidence of how well various treatments work. As part of this ongoing process, we are looking for public feedback on a proposed policy review on extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous blood injections as treatment for Achilles tendinopathy, refractory elbow tendinopathy (tennis elbow) and plantar fasciitis.
Read the current policy here: Commissioning Policy:
The change to the current policy proposes that autologous blood, platelet rich plasma injections or extracorporeal shockwave therapy are not routinely commissioned for Achilles tendinopathy, refractory tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis.
All the policies are backed by national guidance and scientific evidence and are the same as those in neighbouring ICB areas.
The aim is to bring Lancashire and South Cumbria in line with that guidance and reduce inequality by area in the region. This helps reduce the “postcode lottery”, where treatment can depend on where you live. We expect this policy review to affect a small number of Lancashire and South Cumbria residents. This review does not affect access to standard treatments like physiotherapy, exercise programmes or other routinely available Musculoskeletal services.
Andy Curran, co-medical director for Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, said: “Reviewing clinical policies is a rolling programme and sometimes results in changes being made and policies needing to be updated.
“We know how important it is that this is done in an open, fair and transparent manner and that local patients and the public have the opportunity to have their say. I would encourage any resident with an interest in this policy to visit the ICB website and take part in the survey.”
For more information about current clinical policy reviews and to have your say, visit: www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/have-your-say/get-involved-across-lancashire-and-south-cumbria/clinical-policies
Visit www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/ESWTpolicy/ to access the survey.
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Media release issued on behalf of Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board |