Pioneer treatment impresses minister

Reporter: Marina Berry
Date online: 22 July 2011

HEALTH minister Lord Howe came to Oldham yesterday to put the spotlight on a pioneering way of helping patients take charge of their own health.

He met staff and patients from Pennine MSK, a musculoskeletal service based at Oldham Integrated Care Centre which diagnoses and treats patients with conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, joint and back pain.

He spoke to Jacqueline Buckley (66), from Royton, who has osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, who told him a new way of working which involves patients in decisions on their own care, had made a real difference to her life.

She told him the care she receives from the service was “exceptional” and left her almost pain-free.

“The way they do things really hits the nail on the head.

“They look at me as a whole person, rather than someone who happens to have the condition they are treating,” she said.

“We have worked together on my personal care plan and talked about how treatments I might have for my arthritis work with medication I take for other conditions.

“I can refer myself when I need to, or have consultations over the phone with any of the team, which is fantastic as it saves everyone time, yet if I need to be seen I can be.”

Dr Alan Nye is a director at Pennine MSK and has worked at a national level to develop the new system Lord Howe came to see.

He told the minister of the culture change from “doctor knows best,” to one where the doctor helps the patient understand the options. and they work together to decide what is best for that person.

Dr Nye explained: “This means making it easier for patients to understand the various treatment options — or indeed understanding what not having treatment may mean — and giving them the information they need to feel confident that they’re making the right choice for them and their lifestyle.”

Lord Howe also toured other facilities at the integrated care centre, including the urgent care centre, scan and X-ray services.

He said afterwards: “Today I saw the excellent work being done in Oldham to put patients at the heart of the health service.

“In the future, patients will have more power to influence services – but more importantly, by making simple choices about the care they want, they will drive improvements.

“This inevitably means that services compete on quality with each other so that the patient chooses them. This kind of competition is a good thing and can improve services for patients.”

Lord Howe added: “I’m glad to see that Oldham is leading the way.”