Our service

The Orthopaedic Clinical Triage Assessment and Treatment Service (CATS) triages, examines, assesses, diagnoses and treats patients who have pain or other symptoms, restricted movement or reduced function from an Orthopaedic or Orthopaedic-type condition. These conditions include back and neck pain, osteoarthritis (OA), cartilage defects, ligament of tendon injuries, disc disorders, stenosis, repetitive strain injuries (RSI), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia.

The CATS is staffed by Physiotherapy Extended Scope Practitioners/Clinical Specialists and GPs with Specialist Interest (GPwSI) in orthopaedics.

After the initial assessment the clinician may treat the patient via advice, exercises, mobilisation techniques or local injections. Or they may refer the patient for Physiotherapy or for diagnostics investigations (e.g. x-rays or scans). Where surgery may be required the clinician will refer the patient to the acute hospital Trust to be seen by a consultant surgeon.

 

Who we care for

Patients registered with a Norfolk GP, except those registered with a GP in West Norfolk which should be directed to the equivalent service there via Gayton Road Health Centre.

Patients who are 17 years and 364 days and over.

Patients with a benign Orthopaedic condition.

 

Referrals

Patients can access the CATS via referral by their GP or from another NHS Health Care Professional (e.g. physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist).

 

Contact

Norwich Community Hospital

Bowthorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 3TU

Tel: 01603 776776

Gayton Road Health Centre

Gayton Road Health Centre, Gayton Road King's Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4DY

Tel: 0844 499 6845

 

Help with health costs

If you're referred to hospital or other NHS premises for specialist NHS treatment or diagnostic tests by a doctor, dentist or another primary care health professional, you may be able to claim a refund of reasonable travel costs under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS). Find out more about the HTCS.