Patient Self-Referrals

First Step

‘To a healthier state of mind’

First Step is part of Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and provides free, talking therapies to adults (18+) in Cumbria.

There are three main ways to access help from First Step

Via your GP
Via online self-referral
Via paper self-referral

For further information, including how to self-refer, please click the following link: http://www.cntw.nhs.uk/services/first-step/

Self-Referral to Penrith Physiotherapy Service

You can now see a physiotherapist without having to see your GP first, by filling in the self-referral form here: Physiotherapy self-referral form (PDF, 437KB)

Not sure if physiotherapy is right for you?

Physiotherapy can be particularly beneficial if you are suffering from low back pain, neck pain, recent injuries such as strains and sprains, or joint and muscular pain. You can also see a physiotherapist if you are a man or woman suffering with incontinence.

Unfortunately this service is not available if:

You want to see a physiotherapist about a neurological or breathing problem
You need a home visit
You are under secondary school age (please note if you are under 16 you will need a parent or guardian to come to the assessment with you)
If you want physiotherapy following a recent operation you will need a referral from your surgeon

Please see your GP if you fall into one of these categories.

Referring yourself to physiotherapy

Physiotherapy self-referral form (PDF, 437KB)

Please complete the self-referral form and return it to:

Physiotherapy Department
Penrith Hospital
Bridge Lane
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 8HX

Tel: 01768 245 585

Email: physioeden@cumbria.nhs.uk

Podiatry Self-Referral

You can now see a podiatrist without having to see your GP first, by filling in the self-referral form here: Podiatry Self-Referral form (PDF, 288KB)

Anyone, of any age, is eligible for a foot/lower leg assessment. Podiatrists are trained to assess and treat any problem of the foot, ankle and lower leg.

What happens after you send your referral form in?

Your form will be checked by a senior podiatrist, this means that the podiatrist will assess whether your problem is urgent or not, and whether you need to be seen by a specialist podiatrist. This is why you should give as much detail about your problem as possible.

If your problem is assessed as urgent, a member of staff will contact you to offer the first available appointment. This may not be at the clinic that you have selected. Non urgent referrals are sorted into areas, and you will be contacted when assessment clinics are available at your chosen clinic. If you have requested a home visit a podiatrist will probably contact you and your GP to confirm the need for this. Please note that it is always better to be treated in a clinic where all the relevant equipment is at hand, particularly a bright light and proper chairs.

What you can expect from your first appointment

All NHS podiatrists are registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC), and are required by law to carry out a thorough medical history and assessment of your feet before carrying out any treatment. This will include asking about previous medical problems and skin/nail disorders.

The podiatrist may also test for sensation, vascular problems and joint movement, depending on your foot problem.

The appointment will last about half an hour. The podiatrist will assess the problem and discuss possible treatment options with you.

The options may include:

Advice on how you or your Carer can manage your own foot care, including advice on suitable footwear.
Offer a course of treatment.
Refer you to a specialist podiatrist, depending on your foot problem.
You may receive treatment at assessment if this is appropriate, but this is not always possible or advisable. If further treatment is necessary the podiatrist will arrange another appointment.
You will be discharged at completion of your course of treatment. In some cases this may be on your first visit.