£3.5m pilot delivers 20% reduction in long waits for muscle and joint conditions
Thousands of patients in Birmingham and Solihull with musculoskeletal conditions are being assessed more quickly.
This comes as part of a government-backed NHS pilot aimed at cutting waiting lists and helping people with back, joint and muscle pain return to work sooner.
Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board was among 17 NHS areas across England selected for the scheme, which saw around 7,500 patients nationally with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions seen faster thanks to £3.5 million of investment from the Department for Work and Pensions.
One-fifth reduction in long waits
The pilot, delivered under the NHS Getting it Right First Time programme, achieved a 20% reduction in 18-plus week community MSK waiting lists across all participating areas between December 2024 and March 2025.
The initiative trialled digital tools to help patients manage conditions remotely, alongside one-day clinics bringing together health specialists, mental health support and physical activity services, enabling people to access multiple services in a single visit.
Tackling economic inactivity
The scheme is part of a wider government push to address economic inactivity, with around 2.8 million people currently signed off work due to long-term sickness. More than half a million of those are absent due to MSK conditions, which are the leading cause of disability and a major driver of GP appointments in England.
Minister for Employment Dame Diana Johnson MP said the results demonstrated that targeted investment was working. “No one should feel locked out of work due to health issues,” she said. “The results are clear: musculoskeletal patients are getting the help they need and innovation supports them to get one step closer to work.”
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said the pilot pointed to a broader shift in how care is delivered. “Offering multiple services under one roof, with tailored care for that specific person, is part of our mission to build a true Neighbourhood Health Service,” he said. “With more care in the community, everyone wins.”
Building on early success
Professor Tim Briggs, National Director for Clinical Improvement at NHS England, said the results were particularly encouraging given the scale of the challenge. “Back pain, arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions are key causes of sickness absence,” he said, “so it’s great news that these pilots cut waiting lists by 20%, helping many back into employment.”
A second cohort of the scheme is currently under way across six Integrated Care Boards, supported by a further £2.2 million. The government said future plans would be shared in due course.
