From 1 April 2026, Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) will introduce a new Community Musculoskeletal (MSK) and Pain Service. This new service is designed to improve access to care, enhance patient experience and support better health outcomes.

The new approach aims to ensure:

  • you are seen sooner
  • more care is provided closer to home, in community settings
  • hospital appointments are reserved for patients who need specialist or surgical care


Who will provide the service?

The service will be delivered by Cora Health, working in partnership with Provide CIC.

It will offer a single, joined-up pathway for adults aged 16 and over across mid and south Essex, including:

  • access to physiotherapy
  • pain management support
  • rheumatology services
  • assessment for orthopaedic conditions
  • selected surgical procedures (such as carpal tunnel and podiatric surgery)


What this means for you

Easier access to the right care

A Single Point of Access will make it simpler to access MSK, orthopaedic, rheumatology and pain services. In some cases, you may be able to refer yourself without seeing your GP first.

Care closer to home

More services will be delivered in community settings, helping you receive care locally without needing to attend hospital unnecessarily.

Faster, more coordinated care

The integrated service will guide you to the most appropriate care more quickly, helping to reduce waiting times and improve your overall experience.

Care tailored to you

You will be involved in decisions about your care and treatment. This follows the principle of “no decision about me, without me,” ensuring your goals and preferences are considered.

Support to manage your condition

Where appropriate, you will be offered guidance, education and self-management tools to help you manage MSK or pain conditions, with professional support available when needed.


Changes to the getUBetter programme

  • New referrals to getUBetter stopped on 31 January 2026.
  • If you registered before this date, you can continue using the programme for up to 12 weeks.
  • From April 2026, a new self-management support option will be available through the integrated service.


What happens next?

If you are currently receiving care, your treatment will continue and you will be supported throughout the transition. There should be no disruption to your care.

As the new service begins, more information will be shared about:

  • how to access the service
  • self-referral options
  • what to expect from your care pathway

Your GP practice will also support improved information sharing between services to help ensure smoother referrals and more coordinated care.


Further updates will be shared as the new service launch approaches. If you have any concerns about joint, muscle or pain symptoms, please contact the practice for advice.