A new government investment in musculoskeletal care has been welcomed.
Practice Plus Group MSK, which operates across Buckinghamshire from seven existing health centres and hospitals, says the funding will improve patient access and help more people return to work by expanding community-based musculoskeletal (MSK) services.
The funding, announced on May 28 2026 by the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, and the Department for Work and Pensions, totals more than £3 million and will support the national rollout of the NHS England Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) MSK Community Delivery Programme.
Michelle Saunders, service lead 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."
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 in Buckinghamshire has already been increasing capacity and running Community Assessment Days to ensure patients are seen earlier and closer to home.
Michelle Saunders said: "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."
Demand is also rising for self-pay and private medical insurance-supported pain management services, including pain-relieving injections, shockwave therapy, and diagnostic imaging such as MRI and ultrasound scans.
Musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, back pain, and joint disorders are among the leading causes of health-related economic inactivity across England.
The government says the expanded programme follows a successful pilot, which reduced long community MSK waits by 20 per cent between December 2024 and March 2025 in participating areas.
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.
Michelle Saunders said: "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."
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