Notice regarding the service during COVID-19:
During the Coronavirus outbreak all MSK Services are still fully functioning.
We are accepting all referrals and processing as usual and referrals received are triaged within 24/48 hours. Where possible remote support is being offered via telephone or video consultation and this means that many of our initial contacts will be via either telephone or video. In line with national guidance face to face appointments will be arranged for those patients who have been assessed as needing to be seen in person. All patients attending face to face will be COVID-19 screened and asked to attend on their own where possible. If you have any concerns about attending you face to face appointment please contact us on the number on the top of your appointment letter. For further information please see "Arrangements for attending your appointment" and "More information about appointments during COVID".
The outpatient Hand Therapy Service is delivered by occupational therapists and physiotherapists and available to patients in east and north Hertfordshire.
The aim of this service is to help you resume activity and maintain independence in your daily life at work, home and during leisure. Furthermore, we aim to give you a greater understanding of your condition and to enable you to self-manage your symptoms through professional advice and guidance.
The service provides assessment and treatment for a variety of conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus (SLE) and post-operative care following hand surgery.
Clinic Locations
Kingsway Health Centre
Unit 18, Stevenage Leisure Park
Stevenage
SG1 2UA
Phone: 01438 847520
Service Manager / Clinical Lead: Nikki Stewart / Suzanne Taylor
Area served: East & North Hertfordshire
Lister Hospital
Level 11B
Coreys Mill Lane
Stevenage
SG1 4AB
Phone: 01707 247412
Service Manager / Clinical Lead: Nikki Stewart / Suzanne Taylor
Area served: East & North Hertfordshire
Following assessment with one of our specialist therapists, an individual management plan will be devised and agreed with you. Experience has shown that your active participation will help you to manage your condition more effectively.
Treatment may include:
- Education and advice to help you manage your condition
- A specific exercise programme
- Joint protection
- Fatigue management
- Postural education
- Splinting functional assessment and / or work assessment
- Hand Therapy classes
Therapy can also assist with emotional and psychological support.
At your appointment, your clinician will assess you by asking a series of questions about your presenting condition and then carrying out a physical examination.
We recommend wearing comfortable clothes that can be easily removed, as it may be necessary to partially undress as part of your assessment. It is also helpful to bring along details of any medication you are taking.
Your appointment may last up to 1 hour.
Following your assessment, your clinician will discuss the findings of the examination with you and the next steps for best-managing your condition. In some cases you may be referred on to another team for further investigations.
You can access information on the latest research developments into musculoskeletal conditions as well as self-management advice and guidance at the following links:
www.arthritisresearchuk.org
www.arthritiscare.org.uk
Specific information relating to Rheumatoid Arthritis can be found here:
www.nras.org.uk
Latest evidence and education material relating to the management of pain can be found here:
www.noigroup.com
We greatly appreciate the feedback of patients who use our services.
If you would like to share your experience of our outpatient Hand Therapy Service please contact our Patient Experience team either by calling 01707 388 036 or by sending an email to pals.hchs@nhs.net
You can also complete a survey by clicking here
Your feedback helps us to continually improve the service we provide, both to you and other patients - thank you.
