Waiting Well project praised for helping hip and knee patients

Since November last year, the North Norfolk Waiting Well Project has supported 361 patients, helping them live as safely and independently as possible while waiting for their treatment. 

Nathan Fox, the Waiting Well officer at North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), said the first 12 months of the project had been a great success.

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Mr Fox said: “It’s an example of best practice – reaching out to patients before they reach a crisis to find out how we can help and possibly prevent falls and hospital admissions by doing so. 

“We hope to continue providing these types of services in the future.”

Services provided through the project include supporting 72 people to get disability living aids or equipment, directing 165 people to accessible and local exercise classes, and giving 32 people advice about adapting their homes for disability.

Councillor Liz Withington, NNDC’s community, leisure and outreach portfolio holder, said: "The Waiting Well project is an excellent example of how working together as partners and how organisations can support our residents when living with a long-term and often painful condition to stay well, be as active as possible and to resolve issues that are detrimental to their health and well-being."

Councillor Wendy Fredericks, housing and people services portfolio holder, praised Mr Fox for helping many people across north Norfolk. 

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She said: “As portfolio holder, I am very proud of their work and hope the ICB and NHS can see the benefit of this project.”

People can refer themselves to the project by emailing waiting.well@north-norfolk.gov.uk.