Why we've decided to write a blog and an introduction to the teamThe West-Gate clinic was given a new lease of life in February 2022. Becky and Niall, then associate Osteopaths at West-Gate, decided to undertake the challenge of managing the clinic and developing it to such a level that it provides a critical multi-disciplinary role in the community. It's common knowledge that our NHS counterparts are seeing an overwhelming amount of patients and that resources, money, staff and time is having to be rationed at the expense of the British public. Therefore, as a healthcare practice, we believe it's our responsibility to provide a private option for the people of East Yorkshire. With this in mind, The West-Gate clinic needed to be multi faceted. We didn't want to focus solely on physical health, or injury. Health and injury is as much about lifestyle factors, mental wellness and education as is it about everyday musculoskeletal conditions. As a result, we now have a wonderful team of practitioners trained in an array of different healthcare practises, enabling The West-Gate clinic to provide competent health assessments, treatments and follow up advice. The clinic is now easier to access than ever, with online bookings now available on the website www.thewestgateclinic.com. Telehealth video appointments will shortly become available with Osteopath Nick Brown which will allow patients to speak to an MSK specialist from the comfort of their own home. So who are we?Currently there are 11 practitioners working at the clinic on the corner of Church Lane and Westgate. Osteopaths have worked at the clinic for the last 20 years, initially under the directorship of Irene Bradbury. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners who undergo an intensive 4 year University degree and a minimum of a thousand hours clinical placement in order to provide safe, high quality musculoskeletal care to patients. Initial osteopathy consultations include a full medical history including a discussion about the patients current issue or injury. An assessment is then carried out which usually involves a thorough MSK and movement assessment. However, may also include a neurological, cardiovascular or abdominal exam depending on symptoms mentioned. Treatment is then performed relevant to the examination findings. Osteopaths are famous for their hands on (palpatory) skills and treatment. Able to use high level manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisations, joint manipulations, stretching and active treatments like PNF stretching. We place a high regard on self care and independence and encourage exercise prescription and lifestyle accountability. Advice will therefore be given throughout the consultation as well as targeted exercise prescription to gain the best recovery results. Strength training also prevents reoccurrence of injury. Niall Walsh, Becky Park and Nick Brown are West-Gates' Osteopaths and are available every week day. Foot health professionals have also been a part of the clinic for many years. They play an absolutely vital role, with diabetes.org stating that "diabetic patients should have an annual foot health check due to the prevalence of diabetic symptoms first appearing at the foot." As people age, their feet often become an issue. Cardiovascular problems can cause changes to the skin and flexibility can mean that individuals struggle to maintain their own foot health. The quick, effortless and affordable service provided at the clinic takes away this repetitive struggle and enables patients to continue with the hobbies, sports and daily tasks they enjoy. Yvonne Turner has been a long standing practitioner at the clinic and is well regarded by many in the community. She works on a Tuesday morning and all day on a Thursday. Heather Elliot joined the clinic earlier this year and has had an instant positive impact with foot health patients attending the clinic. She is available on a Wednesday. As well as Heather, we were also joined this year by Emma Palmer and Rosie Thompson. Emma is a young and driven sports therapist with a real passion for her field. As well as working at the clinic, she is also York Futsal and Wetherby RUFC pitch side therapist. As if this isn't enough, she also works at Dalby forest guiding people through the trees at GoApe. Emma provides sports massage which is a deep tissue method of massage which is ideal for sports men and woman as well as manual labourers. She also provided sports therapy which combines movement assessments and bespoke exercise programmes to help athletes achieve their full potential. Emma is available Tuesdays and Fridays. Rosie is a nurse practitioner and well known in Driffield for her professionalism and kindness. Rosie offers ear wax removal with both methods of irrigation and microsuction. This service is increasingly popular and in demand. Currently Rosie works on a Friday at West-Gate Sharon Kitchen is our resident massage therapist. She provides beautiful stress relieving treatments utilising a holistic approach which combines reflexology, massage and aromatherapy. These treatments are all performed in the purpose built wellness centre room downstairs at the clinic. This cosy space is warm, private and calm. Sharon frequently attends the Sue Lincoln School of Holistic Therapies to enhance her practise and learn new techniques. She is available Tuesdays and Thursdays. Psychotherapeutic counselling is West-Gate's newest addition to services. With mental health and wellbeing becoming increasingly relevant in todays society and long term stressors proving to be extremely detrimental to both physical and physiological health, we felt it important to be able to offer a counselling service that assists people in regaining control of their life and looking after themselves. Helen Osman will now be offering free inital telephone consultations to build an initial report with patients and ensure that counselling is right for them. From this, patients will be invited to attend an inhouse consultation with Helen in a private counselling room downstairs in the West-Gate wellness centre. Helen takes a relational approach to counselling, which means she places an emphasis on the relationship built between counsellor and patient and believes that our relationships shape our being from an early age and continue to do so through out life. Lastly, credit must be given to our brilliant administrators and receptionists Kay and Liz. Their role ensures that we can offer flexible appointments often on the same day. They're punctual and always strive to offer the best service to patients. Their knowledge of East Yorkshire and its many towns and villages including, Driffield, Beverley, Malton, Pocklington, Bridlington etc ensures that they can help with directions, timings and keeping up to date with changes and opportunities within the community. Why a blog?We constantly find ourselves having fascinating and informative conversations with patients regarding healthcare and with research constantly growing and adapting, we sometimes think 'It's a shame we can't tell the general public this in a way they can relate and implement into daily routine'. Now we can! Osteoblog will be used by all practitioners of The West-Gate clinic to write informative, fun, evidence based posts which will hopefully offer our patients and anyone else who fancy's a read, some useful tips and thought provoking discussions.
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AuthorsNiall Walsh Archives
July 2023
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