HSE South West tackles back pain waiting lists at Physiotherapy Community Assessment Day

HSE South West recently held a successful Community Assessment Day in Midleton, offering appointments to 174 people. All patients on the back pain waiting list from 2021–2026 have now been offered assessment and intervention.

Community Assessment Days are one-day, community-based clinics that provide rapid access to expert assessment and personalised advice. Widely used in the UK, they have been shown to reduce waiting times and help patients begin managing their condition effectively, often after a single session. In Midleton, patients had access to both HSE physiotherapists and UCC student physiotherapists. They were also signposted to supports available through HSE South West Health Promotion and Social Prescribing teams, such as exercise classes and walking programmes.

Participant Amy Vickers described the experience as transformative:

“I am delighted to have been truly seen and heard here today. I received a thorough assessment from a physiotherapist and now have a clear treatment plan to support my recovery.”

Emma Robertson, Senior Physiotherapist, said:

“Gentle movement is still better than no movement. When back pain strikes, many people instinctively stop all activity, but staying completely still can make symptoms worse. Simple, comfortable movements – like short walks, gentle stretching, or changing position regularly – help keep the joints and muscles from stiffening up.”

Results from the Community Physiotherapy Assessment Day in Midleton show positive patient experiences and strong support for this model of care. Overall patient satisfaction was very high, with the majority rating their experience as ‘Excellent’ and the remainder rating it as ‘Good’. Patients consistently reported that physiotherapists listened attentively, explained things clearly, and involved them in decisions about their care. Many reported leaving the appointment with a much better understanding of their condition and a clear plan for managing their symptoms.

Information provided by Health Promotion and Social Prescribers on local community supports also made a significant impact. When asked whether they would recommend the service to others, almost all respondents answered ‘Yes’, further demonstrating the strong support for this model of community-based assessment and early intervention. Further Community Assessment Day days are planned by HSE South West for 2026.