FOI Ref: 0122FOI1920 

22^nd October 2019 

Freedom of Information Act 2000 - Request for Information 

We are pleased to respond to your request for information and our response is set out below: 

Request 

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am requesting the following information on access to NICE-recommended non-pharmacological therapy for the management of low back pain and/or sciatica: 

1. Psychological therapies (using a cognitive behavioural approach):

a) Are GPs able to refer NHS patients with chronic pain to this service? (Yes/No)

b) How many NHS patients were referred in 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 (to data)

c) What was the average waiting time in 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 (to date)

2. Manual therapy (spinal manipulation, mobilisation or soft tissue techniques such as massage):

a) Are GPs able to refer NHS patients with chronic pain to this service? (Yes/No)

b) How many NHS patients were referred in 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 (to date)

c) What was the average waiting time in 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 (to date)

3. Group exercise programme (biomechanical, aerobic, mind-body or a combination of approaches):

a) Are GPs able to refer NHS patients with chronic pain to this service? (Yes/No)

b) How many NHS patients were referred in 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 (to data)

c) What was the average waiting time in 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 (to date)

4. Pain Management Programmes:

a) Are GPs able to refer NHS patients with chronic pain to this service? (Yes/No)

b) How many NHS patients were referred in 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 (to data)

c) What was the average waiting time in 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 (to date)

Response  

Chronic pain management services are commissioned under the MSK (musculoskeletal) Outcomes Based contract and that Sheffield GPs are able to refer under Single Point of Access whereupon the provider, Sheffield Teaching Hospital (STH), triages patients to the most appropriate service reducing delays and improving patient experience. 

The CCG does hold referral and waiting time data for elective specialties within STH. However this does not include the type of therapies data for which data is being requested. For this level of detail, you will need to contact the provider - foi@sth.nhs.uk.