Press  release    26  August  2015    Seafarers  Hospital  Society  extends  free  physiotherapy  to  officers    Working  at  sea  is  one  of  the  most  challenging  jobs  in  the  UK,  and  the  time  spent  offshore  means  it  can  be  a  problem  getting  treatment  for  work-­‐related  injuries.  In  2011  the  Seafarers  Hospital  Society  (SHS)  launched  an  innovative  scheme  to  fund  free  physiotherapy  for  merchant  navy  ratings  across  the  country  on  a  trial  basis.  Now  the  scheme  is  being  extended  to  officers  and  a  new  awareness  campaign  has  been  launched.      Peter  Coulson,  SHS  General  Secretary,  explained:  “We  launched  the  scheme  as  a  pilot  just  over  4  years  ago,  limiting  it  to  ratings.  Since  then  we’ve  funded  treatment  for  over  160  ratings  and  helped  them  get  back  to  work.  Over  90  %  of  the  ratings  treated  through  the  scheme  reported  an  improvement  in  their  condition,  with  two  thirds  making  a  full  recovery.  And  over  90%  of  those  on  sick  leave  were  able  to  return  to  work.      But  it’s  not  only  ratings  who  suffer  injuries  at  sea  –  officers  are  also  exposed  to  the  hazards  of  seafaring.  We  believe  that  the  time  is  now  right  to  extend  the  scheme.  So,  from  the  beginning  of  September,  we  will  be  making  it  available  to  officers  as  well  as  ratings.”    The  physiotherapy  service  for  merchant  seafarers  is  run  by  Connect  Physiotherapy  on  behalf  of  the  Seafarers  Hospital  Society.  It’s  available  at  times  to  suit  individual  requirements  and  in  any  location.  All  merchant  navy  seafarers  need  to  do  is  ring  0191  247  5000  and  arrange  to  speak  to  a  chartered  physiotherapist  who  will  advise  on  how  best  to  manage  their  condition,  provide  appropriate  exercises  and  arrange  for  any  necessary  treatment  to  be  provided  locally.    Ben  Watling,  Head  of  Corporate  at  Connect,  said:  “It  is  important  that  musculoskeletal  problems  are  identified,  understood  and  managed  effectively.  Fast  access  to  physiotherapy  can  have  a  significant  impact  on  the  speed  of  recovery  and  prevent  long  term  or  recurrent  problems.  Our  telephone  advice  line  ‘PhysioLine’  supports  early  intervention  and  our  UK  wide  network  of  physiotherapists  are  there  to  provide  any  necessary  treatment  for  seafarers.  We  are  pleased  with  the  success  of  the  pilot  and  the  continued  desire  from  SHS  to  support  seafarers  who  may  be  suffering  from  aches,  pains,  strains  and  injuries,  affecting  their  work,  lifestyle,  wellbeing  and  possibly  livelihood”.  

   

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 SHS  Health  Development  Manager,  Georgina  Robinson,  said:  “This  service  is  a  lifeline  for  seafarers,  helping  them  get  access  to  physiotherapy  when  they  need  it.  The  NHS  provides  rapid  access  self-­‐referral  services  in  some  areas,  but  these  NHS  schemes  are  still  relatively  new  and  are  not  universally  available.  Our  service  is  designed  to  complement  the  NHS,  by  targeting  those  with  long-­‐term  conditions  as  well  as  those  with  acute  problems,  particularly  in  areas  where  rapid  access  self  referral  is  not  available.  And  with  our  scheme  seafarers  get  a  service  that’s  fast,  flexible,  supportive  and  responsive  to  their  needs.”      Most  importantly,  the  SHS  funded  physiotherapy  service  has  been  welcomed  by  seafarers  and  feedback  from  patients  has  been  extremely  positive.    “Due  to  the  nature  of  my  job  I  suffered  from  tennis  elbow.  I  was  referred  to  physio  by  my  employer,  through  the  Seafarers  Hospital  Society  and  Connect  Physiotherapy.  I  filled  in  a  few  quick  forms  and  the  next  thing,  before  I  knew  it,  I  received  a  physiotherapy  appointment.  The  service  improved  my  condition  and  the  physiotherapist  gave  me  a  few  simple  exercises  to  help  me  manage  my  condition  and  to  remain  at  work.  I  would  recommend  this  service  without  a  doubt,”  reported  one  Deck  Hand.    And  an  Able  Seaman  working  on  a  supply  vessel  was  equally  positive:  “I  work  on  a  supply  vessel  and  tripped  over  a  gangway  net.  I  put  my  arm  out  to  stop  myself,  broke  my  arm  and  dislocated  my  shoulder.  After  I  had  the  break  sorted,  I  was  still  in  a  lot  of  pain  so  I  went  to  the  NHS  for  physiotherapy.  The  next  available  appointment  they  had  was  four  weeks  away.  I  was  referred  to  the  Seafarers  Hospital  Society  physio  by  my  employer.  I  received  treatment  from  Connect  Physiotherapy  and  went  back  to  work  3  weeks  later.  I  would  certainly  recommend  this  service:  I  received  outstanding  treatment  and  now  have  98%  use  of  my  arm.”    Ends    For  further  information  contact  Georgina  Robinson  on  020  8858  3696.    Notes  to  editors    • For  copies  of  leaflets  and  posters  publicising  this  service  email  

georginarobinson@seahospital.org.uk  or  call  the  SHS  on  020  8858  3696  • The  Seafarers  Hospital  Society  (formerly  known  as  the  Seamen’s  Hospital.  

Society)  is  a  charity  that  has  been  caring  for  the  health  and  welfare  of  seafarers  since  1821.  

• For  more  information  about  SHS  go  to  www.seahospital.org.uk  • For  more  information  about  Connect’s  Occupational  Physiotherapy  services  

go  to  www.connectphysiotherapy.co.uk/occupationalphysiotherapy