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A huge round of applause goes to Maria, who has been recognised at this year’s NMAHP Conference GEM Awards for her incredible work in Innovation and New Ways of Working. Her project didn’t just tweak a service, it completely reimagined how women in Manchester can access pelvic health physiotherapy, and the results speak for themselves.

Transforming access to pelvic health care

Right now, women in Manchester can only access pelvic health physiotherapy through a consultant referral from urogynaecology or urology, even when they don’t actually need consultant input. It’s a system that creates long waits, delays essential treatment, and leaves women living with distressing symptoms far longer than they should.

Maria saw the problem clearly. And instead of accepting it as “just how things are”, she designed a solution.

A simple idea with a huge impact

Maria planned and delivered a pilot offering direct referral to pelvic health physiotherapy, running clinics from a GP surgery and staffed by experienced MFT Pelvic Health physiotherapists.

The results were outstanding:

• 20 appointments delivered
• 100% clinic utilisation
• 100% positive patient feedback
• Local, accessible care
• High‑quality assessments and treatment
• Reduced pressure on MFT referrals and waiting lists

Patients were able to receive specialist care in their own community, without unnecessary delays or consultant appointments they didn’t need. For many women, this meant faster support, earlier intervention and a much better experience.

Innovation that truly puts patients first

Maria’s work shows what can happen when someone spots a gap, listens to patients and has the courage to try something new. Her pilot demonstrated:

• A cost‑effective model
• A high‑quality clinical service
• A better experience for women
• A positive impact on Trust waiting lists

It’s the kind of innovation that doesn’t just solve a problem, it sets a new standard.

A well‑deserved celebration

Maria’s award recognises her creativity, determination and commitment to improving care for women across Manchester. Her pilot has shown what’s possible when services are designed around real patient needs, and her work is already influencing conversations about future pathways.

A huge congratulations to Maria, a brilliant example of innovation making a real difference.

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