As part of the North East London MSK Transformation Programme, we are making significant changes to improve the quality and efficiency of MSK care. These changes aim to reduce unnecessary MRI use and reinvest savings directly into expanding and improving community-based MSK services. Below is a summary of the key updates and an invitation to our upcoming webinar, which we would be grateful if you could share widely with your colleagues and networks:

MSK MRI Transformation – Key Update (June 2025)
Why Change?
•    Over 70% of MRI referrals relate to MSK and many are clinically unnecessary.
•    This results in over £2.7 million in avoidable NHS spend each year.
•    Early MRIs do not improve clinical outcomes and may delay appropriate care pathways.
What’s Changing?
•    From June 2025, revised MRI referral forms will reduce overuse and include clear clinical guidance.
•    Routine MSK presentations will increasingly be routed through enhanced community MSK services.
Investment for Improvement
•    Over £4 million has been committed to MSK services in BHR, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest.
•    35+ new clinical roles are being recruited to reduce waiting times to an average of 6 weeks.
Expected Outcomes
•    Faster access to high-quality care
•    Reduced reliance on unnecessary diagnostics
•    Improved patient outcomes and reduced system pressures
This is a clinically led transformation focused on improving care, not just reducing referrals.
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Upcoming Webinar – Please Book & Share Widely
NEL Musculoskeletal Services Transformation and Appropriate Diagnostics
Thursday 12th June
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
NEL Training Hub
Register here – NEL Training Hub**