ISSUE 54 EWJ web - Journal - Page 31
New Network will Tackle Chronic
Musculoskeletal Pain in the Workplace
A research network aimed at transforming the management of chronic musculoskeletal disorders
in the workplace has been launched at the University of Birmingham.
Called JOINTWORKS, the network has been
awarded £109,000 in funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research, as part of its
Work and Health Research Programme.
knowledge exchange, collaboration and advocacy in
workplace health. For more information about the
JOINTWORKS Network and how to get involved,
please visit University of Birmingham's project page.
JOINTWORKS focuses particularly on supporting
the ageing workforce by developing practical interventions to assist employees over the age of 50 with
chronic musculoskeletal disorders (CMSDs), enhancing their ability to remain productive and healthy.
Featured staff
Dr Glykeria Skamagki
Assistant Professor in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Professor Afroditi Stathi
Professor of Physical Activity and Community Health
The network is led by Dr Glykeria Skamagki and
Professor Afroditi Stathi from the University of Birmingham's School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation
Sciences. It brings together a multidisciplinary disciplinary team of experts, including occupational
healthcare professionals, policy makers, researchers,
and most importantly, the public – particularly older
workers themselves.
The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst
the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including
researchers, teachers and more than 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.
www.birmingham.ac.uk
With the JOINTWORKS Network, we are not
just conducting research; we are creating a movement. Our goal is to co-create initiatives with direct input from those most affected.
Mr Jaykar Panchmatia
Dr Gylkeria Skamagki, School of Sport,
Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences
MA (Cambridge) MPH (Harvard) MB BChir (Cambridge) FRCS (Trauma & Orthopaedics)
JOINTWORKS will employ innovative approaches to
explore and understand the complex interplay of factors affecting musculoskeletal health at work. It will
engage diverse stakeholders to ensure that the programmes developed are inclusive and cater to a wide
range of needs in both office and remote working
environments.
Consultant Orthopaedic & Spinal Surgeon
High confidence, high quality, high speed reports
Cambridge University | Harvard University | Fulbright Scholar |
Johns Hopkins Fellow | Robert Jones Gold Medal Winner
Mr Panchmatia is a Consultant Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at Guy’s and St. Thomas’
Hospitals NHS Trust. He has presented internationally, and is published widely in
orthopaedic and neurosurgical journals. His Spine Fellowship was at Johns Hopkins
Hospital, USA. Mr Panchmatia graduated from Cambridge and Harvard Universities.
Experienced Expert Witness
• Direct access to expert – no agency fees.
Dr Skamagki said: “With the JOINTWORKS Network, we are not just conducting research; we are creating a movement. Our goal is to co-create initiatives
with direct input from those most affected. This approach ensures that our solutions are not only scientifically sound but also resonate with the real-life
experiences of those managing CMSDs every day.”
• Short waiting times; urgent instructions can be accommodated.
• High quality reports, delivered promptly.
• Specialises in serious/ complex high value injuries.
• Cardiff University Bond Solon Expert Witness certification.
Instructions Welcome
• Personal injury and clinical negligence claims.
• Work-related injuries and diseases, industrial injuries and disability reports.
• Civil and criminal instructions.
• Medical reports; desktop reports; screening reports; case conferences.
• Accept instructions on behalf of: Claimant, Defendant and Joint.
• Mr Panchmatia is registered with APIL, AvMA, National Crime Agency (NCA), and the
Professor Stathi added: “It is crucial that we identify
effective and sustainable ways to support our ageing
workforce to maintain health and well-being.
Through JOINTWORKS, we aim to influence policy
and practice, ensuring that older employees are not
just able to work, but they enjoy productive and
meaningful working lives.”
UK Register of Expert Witnesses.
Clinical Expertise in all Spinal Conditions
• Spinal fractures
• Failed back surgery
• Foot drop
• Whiplash
• Spinal tumour
• Spinal infections
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Coccygeal trauma
• Complex spine cases
Area of Work
JOINTWORKS aims to make a significant impact on
how CMSDs are managed in the workplace and become a sustainable, interdisciplinary platform for
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
• Cauda equina syndrome
• Spinal cord injury including paralysis
• Nationwide clinics.
• International clinics.
• Home and prison visits.
• Remote and in-person appointments.
Contact Mr Panchmatia
Tel: 020 3861 5495 or 020 3861 5496
Email: Medicolegal@smartspine.co.uk or jaykar@smartspine.co.uk
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APRIL 2024