A County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) physiotherapy lead is helping to put children’s musculoskeletal services firmly on the national agenda.
Chloe Wearmouth, Children’s Physiotherapy Team Lead – Outpatients, has shared her expertise in an article published by MSK Magazine. In The Forgotten Child of MSK: Why Paediatric Services Deserve a Bigger Voice, Chloe calls for greater investment in paediatric musculoskeletal (MSK) services and improved access to specialist support for children and young people.
Her article explains how timely, age-appropriate care can support young people’s health and wellbeing now, while helping them build confidence in movement and physical activity that can last throughout their lives.
CDDFT is one of a small number of NHS organisations where children’s physiotherapy is delivered by paediatric-trained clinicians. This means children and young people receive specialist assessment, treatment and support tailored to their stage of development.
“During childhood we have the opportunity as physiotherapists to support development, influence growth and movement confidence, and encourage lifelong participation in physical activity. Investment in children’s MSK services is an investment in the future of adult MSK services.”
Chloe’s national contribution builds on her work to improve services across the region. Last year, she worked with the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) team to review paediatric MSK provision across the North East.
The project found significant variation between services and reinforced the need for greater collaboration and more consistent care.
Alongside her role at CDDFT, Chloe chairs the North East Musculoskeletal Society, where she has helped to expand paediatric-focused training and professional development opportunities.
Her work reflects a strong commitment to improving care for children and young people and ensuring paediatric MSK services have a greater voice locally, regionally and nationally.
Chloe Wearmouth, Children’s Physiotherapy Team Lead – Outpatients