Outpatient Physiotherapy

To access our Outpatient Physiotherapy services, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age: You must be 16 years or older.
• Registration:  You must be registered with an east Surrey GP practice - search here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp

Referral options:

We accept referrals from the following sources:

• GPs
• First Contact Practitioners (more information below)
• Consultants
• Other community services

Additionally, self-referrals are accepted, meaning you can refer yourself directly to our Outpatient Physiotherapy service without needing to see your GP first, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

When to consult your GP before referring

If you have any of the following symptoms, you must consult your GP before completing the self-referral form:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever or night sweats
• Unexplained bladder or bowel problems
• Unsteadiness or difficulty walking
• Currently receiving treatment for cancer
• Persistent pins and needles or numbness in both arms or both legs
• Pain that persists at night despite changing your position
• Numbness or tingling around the back passage or genitals.

Urgent conditions:

DO NOT use the self-referral form if you have lower back pain or pain that travels from your back to your legs, and any of the following symptoms:

• Inability to pass urine or stool (poo)
• Incontinence of urine or stool (poo)
• Numbness around your genitals or buttocks
• Recent inability to achieve or maintain an erection.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you must call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

How to refer

Referring yourself for physiotherapy is simple! You can do it by filling out the self-referral form and sending it via email or post. Here's how:

Complete the Self-Referral Form: FCHC MSK Self referral form[pdf] 188KBIf you'd rather have a paper copy to complete you can also pick this up from your GP surgery. 

Once you've completed the form, please save it as a PDF (not a photo or JPG). Then, send it in:

By email: Send the completed form to: fchc.msk@nhs.net

By post: Mail the paper copy to - Oxted Therapies Unit, Barnetts Shaw, Oxted, RH8 0NQ

What happens next?

1. Assessment by the Outpatient Physiotherapy team: Our team will assess your referral to ensure you're seen by the right service at the right time
2.  If your referral is unsuitable: We will contact you to explain why and suggest a more appropriate course of action
3. Self-referral Process: Self-referrals are treated just like those made by GPs or other healthcare professionals. While self-referring may save you time by avoiding a GP visit, it does not guarantee quicker treatment.

What does the service provide?

Based on a comprehensive assessment, we are able to provide a detailed explanation of the presenting condition and the management plan. We offer a personalised treatment approach tailored to each individual's specific needs, taking into account their unique circumstances and goals.

Our focus is on exercise, education, and empowerment, as these have been shown to be the most effective treatments for long-term recovery and self-management.

While we may also use techniques such as manual therapy, taping and acupuncture when appropriate, these are typically short-term measures designed to support the overall rehabilitation process.

What to expect 

Your care will begin with an initial assessment, where a physiotherapist will take a detailed history of your condition and carry out a physical examination. Please wear loose-fitting clothing or shorts to allow us to look at your affected body part. In some cases, you may be requested to remove some items of clothing.

Following your assessment, you'll be advised on the most appropriate management options, which may include:

• Self-management advice
• One-to-one physiotherapy follow-up appointments
• Referral to a suitable rehabilitation class
• Support from a physiotherapy assistant
• Onward referral to other healthcare and community services if needed.

We offer a range of targeted rehabilitation classes designed to support recovery and improve function.Your physiotherapist may advise you if there is an appropriate class for you to attend.

Lower Limb Class

A tailored exercise programme focused on improving strength, mobility, and function in the lower limbs. Utilises our specialist equipment and physiotherapist-led guidance. Duration: Once a week for 6 weeks

Post-Surgical Knee Class

Designed for individuals recovering from a total knee replacement. Aims to restore range of motion and improve functional mobility. Duration: Once a week for 6 weeks

Rotator Cuff Class

Suitable for individuals experiencing shoulder pain related to rotator cuff dysfunction. Focuses on progressive exercises to improve shoulder strength and control. Duration: Once a week for 8 weeks. 

Find out more here

Better Backs Class

Combines guided exercise with educational discussions to help reduce back pain, improve quality of life, and promote long-term self-management.  Duration: Once a week for 6 weeks. 

Find out more here

ESCAPE Pain Programme

A group rehabilitation programme for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Combines educational self-management strategies with personalised exercise plans to help reduce pain and improve quality of life. Duration: Twice a week for 6 weeks. 

Visit the Escape Pain website for more information

If you have any questions or need help with the referral process, please don't hesitate to contact us at fchc.msk@nhs.net .

Your appointments will be held at one of First Community's outpatient clinics in Caterham, Oxted, and Redhill.

Caterham Dene Hospital

Church Road, Caterham CR3 5RA

01883 837507

Clinic hours:

• Monday: 8:00am - 7:00pm
• Tuesday - Friday: 8:00am - 3:30pm
• Appointment times: Earliest - 8:10am | Latest - 6:00pm

 

Oxted Therapies Unit

Barnetts Way, Oxted RH8 0NQ

01883 733890 (please choose option 4 to be transferred to the admin team).

Clinic hours:

• Three clinics per week (no evening clinics)
• Appointment times: Earliest - 8:10am | Latest - 4:00pm

 

East Surrey Hospital

Canada Avenue, Redhill, RH1 5RH  

01737 238088

Clinic hours:

• Monday, Wednesday & Thursday: 8:00am - 7:00pm
• Tuesday & Friday: 8:00am - 3:00pm
• Appointment times: Earliest - 8:10am | Latest - 6:00pm

 

Parking information

Parking is available at all clinic locations. Please note: A parking fee applies at East Surrey Hospital, and parking spaces can be limited at busy times. We recommend arriving early to allow time for parking.

You can also access First Contact Physiotherapists directly at your GP surgery without needing to see your GP first. This service is available for patients aged 18 and over and is offered at all GP practices across east Surrey.

How to book:

Call your usual surgery number to book an appointment. Reception staff may ask a few questions to make sure seeing a physiotherapist is the best option for you.

Appointment details:

Appointments last around 20 minutes.

The physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, discuss treatment options, provide advice, or refer you for physiotherapy or another service.

This service provides quick access to expert advice without needing to see a GP first, which helps free up GP appointments for other patients.

How do I get referred for outpatient physiotherapy? 

You can refer yourself to our service by completing a self-referral form. See 'How to access the Outpatient Physiotherapy service tab above. 

How do I book an appointment?

After your referral is received, it will be triaged by a senior physiotherapist. You will then:

• Receive a letter instructing you to call and book an appointment, or
• Be informed that you are on our waiting list
• Please follow the instructions in your letter when it arrives.

Do you offer virtual appointments?

Initial assessments are usually face-to-face.

If you've had a total hip replacement, your first appointment may be a telephone call to discuss your post-operative care. If needed, a face-to-face appointment will follow.

Follow-up appointments are usually face-to-face, but may also be conducted by telephone or video call if appropriate for your condition.

Telephone consultations will come from a withheld number. You'll be given a specific appointment time - please ensure you are in a quiet, private space and ready to take the call. You may be asked to perform simple physical tests during the call.

What happens during the first appointment?

See 'What does the service provide and what should I expect' tab above. 

What do I need to bring or wear?

Please bring:

• A list of your current medications
• Appropriate clothing - you may be asked to expose the area that needs to be assessed. Bring shorts or a vest top if preferred.

What if I can't attend my appointment?

Please give as much notice as possible by calling the relevant site:

• East Surrey Hospital: 01737 231688
• Caterham Dene Hospital: 01883 837507
• Oxted Therapies Centre: 01883 733890

Missed Appointments Policy

• If you miss your initial assessment with no prior contact made to the department, you will be discharged
• If you miss your follow up appointment and don't contact us within one week, you will be discharged
• If you miss two appointments without giving 48+ hours' notice, you will also be discharged.

What happens after the first appointment?

See 'What does the service provide and what should I expect' tab above. 

How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?

This depends on your individual condition and goals. Your physiotherapist will agree on a plan with you during your sessions.

How long does each session last?

• Initial assessment: up to 30-40 minutes
• Follow-up sessions: up to 30 minutes.

Can I request a chaperone?

Yes. You or your physiotherapist may request a chaperone to be present during your session.

We have both male and female physiotherapists. If you'd prefer to be seen by someone of the same sex, please let us know before your first appointment.

Can I request hospital transport?

Call: 0300 200 1067

• Transport is only available based on medical need
• Be ready 1.5 hours before your appointment time
• There may be a delay in being taken home
• If you're not collected by your appointment time, please call your physiotherapy department.

Can my needs be accommodated by the service?

Yes. We can assist individuals who:

• Use a wheelchair
• Are deaf or hard of hearing
• Have a visual impairment
• Do not speak English as a first language.

Please contact the department before your first appointment to arrange any necessary support.