The Orthopaedic Integrated Clinical Assessment and Treatment Service (ICATS) is part of the Belfast Trust Orthopaedic Service at Musgrave Park Hospital.
Combining expertise from a range of musculoskeletal disciplines, the team helps to ensure that patients with orthopaedic conditions get the care that best suits their needs. Our multidisciplinary team of specialist Physiotherapists, Podiatrists and GPs identify patients for onward referral to consultant orthopaedic surgeons for consideration of surgery or for complex management whilst those who do not require surgery receive appropriate treatment and support with the ICATS team.
Belfast ICATS manage approx. 7,000 New Orthopaedic Outpatients per year and 17,000 reviews and treatments. Over 75% of referrals received by ICATS are managed and discharged – providing quicker, more appropriate care to patients while also reducing the wait for those who do need to an Orthopaedic Consultant.
Seeing the ICATS team
You will be seen for an initial consultation with a member of the Belfast ICATS team who is a fully qualified healthcare professional with advanced practice orthopaedic training and specialist skills in your condition.
Following an assessment, the ICATS Specialist will discuss the management options with you which may include arranging for you to have further investigations, being offered treatment to help you better manage your condition or arranging for you to have a hospital outpatient appointment with a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.
You may find the following information useful to help you prepare for Your Orthopaedic ICATS Appointment.
How to access the Service
Access to the ICATS service is by referral to the Belfast Trust Orthopaedic Service. Referrals are usually made by your GP/ Primary Care professional, but you may be referred by another service. Your referral will be triaged by a member of the Orthopaedic team and according to your clinical need, it will be forwarded to either the Orthopaedic ICATS or to the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons.
To access this service, please make an appointment to talk to your GP.
Location and Contact
ICATS clinics are mostly held in our Community Wellbeing & Treatment Centres. Further information, contact details and maps can be found here: