Circle has become the prime contractor for musculoskeletal (MSK) services in Bedfordshire, winning a £120 million five-year contract.
Bedfordshire clinical commissioning group (CCG) consolidated 20 different contracts into one service in August.
The first stage of the project is now live. GPs are able to refer patients to a “central hub” for MSK treatment.
The remainder of the service will be rolled out over the next six months.
Circle has become the prime contractor for musculoskeletal (MSK) services in Bedfordshire, winning a £120 million five-year contract.
Bedfordshire clinical commissioning group (CCG) consolidated 20 different contracts into one service in August.
The first stage of the project is now live. GPs are able to refer patients to a “central hub” for MSK treatment.
The remainder of the service will be rolled out over the next six months.
Acting clinical lead on MSK, GP Dr Andy Edwards said: “This service will make a huge difference to patients, offering an integrated, seamless service with more care available in the community. But it is an ambitious project and, as clinical commissioners we will be monitoring it carefully to ensure it delivers the benefits for patients that we are looking for.”
Dr Nick Boyle, NHS consultant surgeon and Circle partner said: "We are delighted that, from today, thousands of patients across Bedfordshire will be able to take advantage of this new integrated model of orthopaedic care, which will improve services, reduce waiting times and provide a one-stop-shop for all patients with musculoskeletal problems.
"This innovative approach is the first of its kind and is already being copied across the UK. Local doctors in Bedfordshire CCG should be congratulated for their pioneering work which will make a huge difference to patients across the county. "
Previously, local patients had concerns that the services were “fragmented”.
