Buckinghamshire-based MSK service welcomes government investment to improve access to care, and support people back into work Practice Plus Group MSK centre – which runs from seven existing health centres and hospitals across Buckinghamshire – has welcomed the government’s new investment in community MSK services, as national plans are announced to reduce waiting times and help more patients return to work sooner.
This week’s (28th May 2026) announcement, made jointly by the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and the Department for Work and Pensions, includes more than £3 million of funding to expand NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Musculoskeletal Community Delivery Programme across England.
The programme supports innovative approaches including Community Assessment Days and “super clinics” designed to improve access to specialist care, diagnostics, rehabilitation and wider support services in community settings.
Practice Plus Group MSK, Bucks has already been expanding capacity locally and rolling out Community Assessment Days to help patients access earlier assessment and treatment closer to home. The facility has also seen growing demand for self-pay and private medical insurance (PMI) supported pain management services, such as pain-relieving injections, shockwave therapy and diagnostics, including MRI and Ultrasound scans, as more people seek quicker answers and earlier reassurance about painful joint, muscle and mobility conditions.
Michelle Saunders, Service Manager at Practice Plus Group MSK and Diagnostics, Bucks, said:
“We welcome the government’s investment in improving community musculoskeletal services and the national rollout of the GIRFT MSK Community Delivery Programme. Musculoskeletal conditions can have a significant impact on people’s quality of life, mobility, mental wellbeing and ability to remain in or return to work. Expanding access to earlier assessment, diagnosis and treatment is therefore vital for both patients and the wider community.“
“We particularly welcome the focus on joining up healthcare, employment support and community services. Supporting people to stay active, independent and connected to work wherever possible is an important part of improving long-term outcomes for MSK patients.”
Michelle Saunders, Service Manager at Practice Plus Group MSK & Diagnostics
Musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, back pain and joint problems, affect millions of people across England and are one of the leading causes of health-related economic inactivity. The government says the national rollout follows a successful pilot programme which reduced long community MSK waits by 20% across participating areas between December 2024 and March 2025.
Practice Plus Group MSK, Buckinghamshire says earlier intervention and improved access to coordinated community care can help prevent conditions from worsening and reduce unnecessary delays for patients living with painful joint and muscle conditions.
“Our teams are committed to ensuring patients are seen by the right clinician at the right time, with timely access to assessment, advice, rehabilitation and onward treatment where needed. This national investment recognises the important role community MSK services play in helping people recover, maintain independence and return to everyday life sooner.”
Michelle Saunders, Service Manager at Practice Plus Group MSK & Diagnostics
For more information about Practice Plus Group MSK services, including private and insured pain management and diagnostic services, visit Practice Plus Group MSK, Buckinghamshire.
