Thousands of people living with back, joint and muscle conditions have received faster assessments thanks to a major NHS pilot designed to help people stay in work, return to work, and access treatment sooner.
Around 7,500 people with musculoskeletal issues in areas with the longest waits were seen more quickly as part of the scheme, which was backed by £3.5 million of investment from the Department for Work and Pensions.
MSK conditions, including long‑term back and joint pain, are one of the biggest contributors to long‑term sickness, with more than 500,000 people out of work because of MSK problems. The pilot forms part of the government’s wider effort to tackle economic inactivity and bring down NHS waiting lists.
The pilot trialled innovative digital tools that allow patients to manage their conditions remotely, as well as new one‑day clinics that bring MSK specialists, mental health support and physical activity services together under one roof.
This integrated model allows patients to access multiple forms of support in a single visit, improving efficiency and reducing the time people spend waiting for different services. Between December 2024 and March 2025, the approach contributed to a 20% reduction in 18‑week‑plus community MSK waiting lists across 17 local areas.
Officials said the results show that combining digital support with face‑to‑face specialist care can help people manage their conditions sooner, stay active, and maintain or return to employment.
The pilot sits within a broader package of support for people with long‑term health conditions, backed by £3.5 billion by the end of the decade.
Key programmes include:
- Connect to Work – offering personalised help for 300,000 people by 2030
- 1,000 Pathways to Work advisers now based in Jobcentres across England, Scotland and Wales
- Tailored support for people on health‑related benefits, including many who previously received no specialist employment help
The MSK pilot supports the ambitions of the 10 Year Health Plan and the new Neighbourhood Health Service, which aims to give patients easier access to multiple services in one place.
On 26 March, the government confirmed that 27 Neighbourhood Health Centres will open by 2027, offering urgent treatment, GP services and pharmacy support. These form the first tranche of 250 centres, backed by £200 million in total investment.
This co‑located model aligns closely with the one‑day MSK clinics trialled in the pilot.
Stephen Kinnock, Health Minister, said:
“The success of this scheme shows how this government is taking a new approach to cutting NHS waiting lists, modernising the NHS, and getting people healthy and back into work.
“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
“With more care in the community, everyone wins. Patients get the best care, and the NHS gets people back to work, boosting economic growth.”
The overall NHS waiting list is now at its lowest level in three years, but ministers say they are “doubling down” with record investment and modern, innovative approaches to care.
The MSK pilot shows how targeted investment and integrated support can deliver real‑world improvements for patients, help people return to work sooner, and ease long‑term pressure on the health system.
With more than 2.8 million people currently out of work due to long‑term sickness, officials say the findings will help shape future service models across the country.
Image credit: iStock
