An award-winning Suffolk healthcare firm has unveiled an app to help people injured at work or in road accidents to access quick and effective physiotherapy advice via a smartphone or tablet.

IPRS Healthcare, based at Little Blakenham, near Ipswich, launched the app in London this week as part of a suite of tools to help treat and monitor patients who would normally need a clinic appointment.

The app, which is available for people covered by insurance policies or by workplace occupational health policies, uses technology similar to FaceTime videotelephony, enabling physiotherapists at IPRS to deliver virtual face-to-face consultations while complying fully with industry data standards.

It effectively bridges the gap between clinic-based and telephone triage, enabling the physiotherapist to offer treatment more quickly and to monitor the progress of patients throughout their recovery.

“We’re excited to be launching an app that will help people get better quicker,” said Martyn Jackson, group chief executive at IPRS. “It’s a game-changer for people who need physio because they can start treatment within minutes, and avoid waiting in pain. This kind of technology use represents a significant opportunity for our expanding business and is part of a wider growth vision.”

IPRS, which was established in 1995 and last year generated record turnover of £11m, employs 162 staff across the UK, including an extensive in-house team of multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals. In July this year, it won the Large Company category at the EADT Businiess Awards, where Mr Jackson was also named Director of the Year.