Posted on: 4 August 2025
A new fast-track musculoskeletal (MSK) service, launched in April 2025, is already improving health outcomes for staff in organisations across Wakefield District that don’t have access to occupational health support - particularly smaller businesses without in-house or outsourced provision.
The 12-month pilot, part of the Healthy Working Life programme led by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, is designed to reach workplaces not covered by NHS occupational health services.
The service offers rapid access to physiotherapy through a combination of remote triage, personalised online exercise programmes and in-person treatment where needed. Staff are referred through a simple online portal and are contacted within 24 hours, with most receiving a full remote assessment within just four.
In its first three months, the service received 181 referrals from 36 organisations, reaching over 16,000 staff. So far, 142 patients have completed treatment, with many returning to work sooner than expected. Notably, 60% of patients recovered without needing face-to-face care, with outcomes showing a 63% reduction in pain and a 33% improvement in physical function, all delivered with an average of just 100 
minutes of support per person.
John Lemm, Programme Manager for the System Workforce Office, says: “This is helping people stay in work, avoid long waits, and recover more effectively. The early results show a clear clinical and economic benefit.”
With MSK issues being a leading cause of sickness absence, the service is reducing delays, improving workplace wellbeing and helping organisations manage short-term absence more effectively.
As the pilot continues, work is underway to further embed the service into local systems and explore options for long-term funding beyond April 2026.
See the case study on our Healthy Working Life pages for more information.