Back and Neck Service
What is the Back and Neck Service?
The AHPS Back and Neck Service (BaNS) is a nationally recognised spinal assessment and triage service covering Suffolk. Its purpose is to provide expert assessment for patients with persistent spinal pain and / or associated nerve-related conditions (sciatica).
The service is delivered by a group of specialist and highly experienced Advanced Practice Spinal Physiotherapists who have access to diagnostic procedures (MRI, X-ray and electrophysiology) to aid diagnosis and treatment planning where clinically appropriate.
A weekly Multidisciplinary Team Meeting (MDT) enables cases to be discussed directly with Consultant Spinal Surgeons and Pain Management Consultants to ensure appropriate direct secondary care (hospital) referral for more specialised and invasive intervention where required.
Areas covered
Patients registered with a GP in Ipswich and East Suffolk, West Suffolk.
Referral Process
Direct referrals are accepted from AHP Suffolk Physiotherapists, General Practitioners and First Contact Practitioners (FCP) via the MSK Single Point of Access (SPOA) found on DXS. Referrals from other healthcare providers via referral letter to the MSK SPOA.
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Radiology and imaging
Some patients will be referred for imaging of their spine. This referral may before or after you see your advanced practice clinician depending on your symptoms. If it happens before you are seen in-person a telephone call will be arranged to discuss a referral with you.
What to expect at your appointment
At your appointment your advanced practice clinician will want to ask you about your symptoms, past medical history and other details about you. They will usually want to examine the joint or area affected; please come appropriately dressed to help see your affected joint or area. In many cases you may be asked to partially undress to help the clinician’s assessment; please wear suitable clothing.
Chaperones: You can bring or will be able to ask for a chaperone during your appointment. If we supply a chaperone this could be a male or a female, although will always do our best to meet your preference. Please let us know at the earliest convenience if a chaperone may be required.
Observations: We will, at times, observe all our clinicians to aid their learning and development. This would mean an additional clinician attending an appointment to perform the observation. You will be asked for you permission for this to happen and you can decline.
Multidisciplinary team meetings
Weekly MDT meetings are held between clinicians from BANS, Ispwich Hosptial Spinal Unit and Pain Clinics from West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and East Suffolk and North East Essex NHS Foundation Trust. Your case may be discussed at one of these meetings to determine the best plan for your care.