Patients experiencing complex hip conditions are benefiting from an innovative one-stop clinic at Ely Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), developed by orthopaedic hip specialists from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH).
By combining specialist consultation, advanced imaging and rehabilitation in a single visit, the clinic can replace up to five to six separate hospital appointments, helping patients receive faster diagnoses and begin appropriate treatment and rehabilitation sooner.
Among those benefiting is Jo Timson, a 43-year-old mother of two from Peterborough, whose life has been significantly affected by persistent hip pain following a stress fracture.
Jo shares the story of her hip injury
Link: https://youtube.com/shorts/A8w3EUbsol4?feature=share
Previously an enthusiastic runner preparing for a marathon, Jo has experienced considerable pain and mobility difficulties since January 2025. Despite undergoing surgery and receiving treatment at her local hospital, she continued to struggle with everyday activities and has been unable to return to work.
During her visit to the Ely clinic, Jo underwent a comprehensive specialist assessment, including CT, MRI, X-rays and blood investigations, alongside a consultation with a specialist physiotherapist.
I've been in a lot of pain over the past 18 months, and it's affected every part of my life. I have to use crutches to get anywhere and have found it very isolating. However, visiting the clinic was brilliant. For the first time, I feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel. I was able to meet a specialist, have a CT, X-ray, MRI and blood test done, and see a physiotherapist. It's saved me waiting months for different appointments and has given me a lot of answers. I'm excited to have a clear plan for what comes next.
Jo Timson
Established by Professor Vikas Khanduja, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at CUH, and the management team at Ely CDC, the monthly clinic supports patients under the age of 65 with a wide range of hip conditions, including sports-related injuries, developmental abnormalities and degenerative disorders.
The traditional pathway for patients with complex hip conditions can involve multiple hospital visits, separate investigations and prolonged waiting periods before a definitive management plan is established. Our aim at Ely has been to redesign this pathway around the patient. By bringing together specialist clinical assessment, advanced imaging and physiotherapy within a single coordinated visit, we can provide timely answers, develop individualised treatment plans and, where appropriate, initiate rehabilitation immediately.
This is a genuinely multidisciplinary and patient-centred model of care. Its success reflects the exceptional collaboration between our clinical, radiology, physiotherapy and operational teams.
Professor Vikas Khanduja, Clinical and research lead for the Cambridge Young Adult Hip Service at CUH
The clinic operates through a flexible scheduling model, allowing investigations and physiotherapy assessments to be arranged during the same visit according to each patient's clinical requirements.
An important component of the service is the integration of specialist physiotherapy into the diagnostic pathway.
CUH physiotherapist, Wioleta Jonecko, explained that access to clinical assessments and imaging results during the same visit enables more personalised rehabilitation advice and facilitates onward referral to community physiotherapy services where appropriate. This coordinated approach aims to minimise unnecessary hospital visits while supporting continuity of care closer to patients' homes.
Hip pain can really limit people lives, so the sooner we can help them the better. For each patient, I have access to a whole range of scans and detailed input from the clinicians so I can really tailor my advice and approach to provide the greatest possible benefits. Being part of the clinic means we get to see patients much sooner and can help them on the road to recovery right away.
Wioleta Jonecko, CUH physiotherapist
The Ely clinic demonstrates how specialist hospital expertise can be delivered effectively within a community diagnostic setting.
By integrating clinical assessment, diagnostic investigations and rehabilitation, the service aims to improve patient experience, reduce delays and make more efficient use of NHS resources. The initiative aligns with CUH's strategic commitment to delivering high-quality, timely care in more accessible settings and supports the wider NHS ambition to shift appropriate services from hospitals into the community.
Bruce Anderson, Service Manager at Ely CDC, highlighted the positive impact of the service on patients, many of whom leave with a clearer understanding of their condition and the next steps in their recovery.
We’re very proud to be able to provide a unique service like this, which makes such a huge difference to people’s lives. Many people that come to the clinic leave feeling they’ve made a big leap forward on their road to recovery.
Bruce Anderson, Service Manager at Ely CDC
For Jo, the clinic has provided renewed optimism. She will continue physiotherapy and undergo further assessment at Addenbrooke's to determine the most appropriate treatment, including whether hip replacement surgery may be necessary. Her experience illustrates the potential of coordinated, specialist-led care to improve not only the efficiency of healthcare delivery but also patients' confidence and quality of life.
I wish I’d known about this place 18 months ago. It’s really transformed my outlook and how I feel about my future. I know there's still a long road ahead, but I feel positive about hopefully returning to work and starting to get my life back.
Jo