Fast-track physiotherapy - Seafarers Hospital Society

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Working as a seafarer is one of the UK’s most challenging jobs and the number of work-related injuries is high. Time spent at sea means it can be difficult to get treatment, so the Seafarers Hospital Society supports free, fast-track physiotherapy for working seafarers. Treatment can be accessed in two ways: through the Physiotherapy Network and Response Occupational Health.

Seafarers Physiotherapy Network

The Seafarers Hospital Society has a well-established extremely effective Physiotherapy Network offering free fast-track physiotherapy to working merchant seafarers and fishers.

The Physiotherapy Network has been extended and we now have members in Cornwall, Devon, Scotland and Northern Ireland. All physiotherapists are members of The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics (ACPOHE) and The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and are trained to provide a holistic and preventative approach to physiotherapy services for fishers and merchant seafarers. Preventative treatment and exercises are a vital means to help avoid injury caused by the physical demands and repetitive nature of work as a merchant seafarer or fisher. Repetitive strain injuries, and musculoskeletal issues, often caused by heavy lifting, are common long-term health issues reported by seafarers. Furthermore, life at sea can make it difficult to access treatment or keep up with regular appointments, so SHS provides access to fast-track physiotherapy to help seafarers stay fit to work at sea. All treatment costs are covered by the Seafarers Hospital Society.

Response Occupational Health

Seafarers Hospital Society are now funding free physiotherapy for working seafarers through Response Occupational Health. The service is available to merchant seafarers and fishers throughout the UK. The Response Group and Occupational Health has a network of 19 physiotherapy practices across the UK, so you should not have to travel far for assistance with your injury.

Incorporated in 2006, Response Occupational Health, formally known as Therapy Direct, is an ACPHOE registered and ISO9001 accredited, flexible and innovative physiotherapy company. It has a proven track record of delivering expert, bespoke occupational health and wellbeing solutions for public and private sector organizations, across a wide range of industries and professions.

Their leadership team brings a wealth of experience from the field of occupational healthcare. It now operates with a core team of therapists each with a specific area of expertise and a network of therapists and clinics nationwide.

To access the physiotherapy service, please phone Response Occupational Health on 0800 999 7055 or email [email protected] to arrange to speak to a Physiotherapist for advice and support. If you need to see a Physiotherapist for a more thorough assessment and treatment, they will arrange for you to be seen locally at no additional cost to you.

The Physiotherapy Network

Cornwall & Devon

Plymouth

Fay Pedler Physiotherapy 01752 664519 [email protected] Ricky McKee

Newlyn

Harbourside Physiotherapy 01736 366224 [email protected] Andy Cracknell

Mevagissey, St Austell

Sandy Hill Physical Therapy Centre 01726 676567 [email protected] Ged Gilchrest

Looe, Seaton

The Beachside Clinic 07843 249664 [email protected] Jen Bowden

Brixham

Tidal Physiotherapy 07983 313 344 [email protected] Stephanie Murray

Isle of Wight

RMA Sports Injury Clinic 07512 224495 [email protected] Jake Brougham

Midlands

Hull, Brough

Rehab and Recover 07743 782307 [email protected] Chris John

Hull

Flex Health 07815 699415 [email protected] Alex Chester

Manchester

Matrix Physiotherapy 07851134973 [email protected]

N Ireland

Kilkeel

Mourne Physiotherapy 02843 767336 [email protected] Christine Burns

Scotland

Lossiemouth

CLH Physio and Sports Therapy 07809 361944 [email protected] Claire Houston, MSC

Online / Dundee

Breathing Pattern Disorder Clinic. Inspire Balance 07851 699820 [email protected] Gail Patel

Callander

Callander Physiotherapy 07899952216 [email protected] Mairi Menzies

Ullapool

Bodyworks Bodywise 07758976388 [email protected] Alex Bairstow

Dundee

Angus Physiotherapy 07710557210 [email protected] Ruth Madill

Aberdeen

Wallace Practice 07703184035 [email protected] Jeff Wallace

Shetland

Yasp 01595 747074 [email protected] Margaret Gear

Edinburgh

The Physiotherapy Place Portobello Clinic 01316 693369 Musselburgh Clinic 01316 650619 [email protected] Niall McGregor

Greenock

McFarlane Physiotherapy 07597 379143 [email protected] Rachel McFarlane

Glasgow

Physio Effect Ltd 0141 230 4766 [email protected] Danny Wray

Skye and Lochalsh

Skye and Lochalsh Physiotherapy +44 (0) 7398 181535 [email protected] Lisa Bevan

Oban

Ruth Sunderland Physiotherapy 07806 569859 [email protected] Ruth Sunderland

Lochaber

Lochaber Complimentary Health Clinic (Weds only) 01397 702 257 Ruth Sunderland

Sunderland

The Performance Clinic 0191 435 0560 [email protected] Penny Shelley

Tyneside

Swissphysio 01912 960567 [email protected] Angela Petrochi

Our 2023 physiotherapy network in numbers

130

Physios across the Physio Network

800

Number of sessions provided

220

Number of seafarers treated

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Our work on health and fitness

To help you live an independent and active life, both in work and in retirement, SHS are continually developing the work we do to meet the health and fitness needs of seafarers.

The SeaFit Programme

SeaFit is a long-term programme designed to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of fishermen throughout the UK. The SeaFit Programme is a joint initiative from the Seafarers Hospital Society and The Fishermen’s Mission, to deliver sustainable improvements in the health and wellbeing of fishers and their families around the United Kingdom.

Mental health and wellbeing

Working at sea can be challenging to your mental health too. We fund Togetherall to offer a free, confidential online service to seafarers who need help with mental health and wellbeing issues. It includes access to trained counsellors, a support network, self-help materials and one-to-one therapy.