First Contact Physiotherapist

Job Role

We are looking for an experienced MSK Physiotherapist / First Contact Practitioner (FCP) to work within primary care.

Applicants must be HCPC and CSP registered Physiotherapists with a minimum of 5 years post-graduate experience including at least 3 years relevant MSK clinical experience in line with the HEE Roadmap to Practice.

The successful candidate will be a confident clinician and communicator able to work independently while collaborating effectively with GPs practice staff and wider multidisciplinary teams.

You will assess diagnose and manage patients presenting with musculoskeletal conditions providing personalised care supporting self-management and coordinating access to appropriate health and care services.

Days: 2-3 days a week

Hours: 09:00 17:00

Location: North London

Computer System: EMIS Web

Key Responsibilities

• Work within primary care assessing patients referred through reception and triage.
• Assess diagnose triage and manage a varied and complex MSK caseload.
• Develop personalised treatment and management plans in partnership with patients.
• Provide first-line treatment self-management advice and appropriate rehabilitation.
• Refer patients to other healthcare professionals and services where required.
• Request interpret and act on appropriate investigations including imaging and blood tests.
• Work collaboratively within the GP practice and wider PCN multidisciplinary team.
• Manage patients with complex MSK acute and chronic pain psychosocial and mental health needs.
• Provide clear and sensitive communication regarding diagnosis prognosis and treatment options.
• Support shared decision-making and promote behavioural change and patient activation.
• Use the full scope of professional practice including prescribing injection therapy and investigation where appropriately qualified.
• Provide clinical advice education and support to other members of the PCN team.
• Participate in clinical governance audit service evaluation supervision and continuing professional development.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and practise in accordance with HCPC standards and evidence-based guidance.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• BSc Degree in Physiotherapy.
• Current HCPC registration.
• Membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
• Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience.
• Minimum 3 years relevant MSK experience.

Desirable Qualifications

• MSc in Physiotherapy or relevant postgraduate qualification.
• Supplementary or Independent Prescribing qualification or willingness to work towards this.
• IR(ME)R qualification.
• Injection therapy qualification.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

• Strong clinical reasoning and assessment skills in MSK physiotherapy.
• Experience managing complex musculoskeletal conditions and acute/chronic pain.
• Understanding of the MSK Competency Framework for First Contact Practitioners.
• Ability to work independently and manage a complex caseload.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to evidence-based practice and continuing professional development.
• Ability to recognise professional limitations and seek advice when appropriate.
• Good IT and clinical record-keeping skills.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to unpredictable situations.

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience in MSK physiotherapy.
• Experience managing patients with a broad range of conditions and complex needs.
• Evidence of postgraduate training and continued professional development.
• Experience providing professional advice and support to colleagues.
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Evidence of participation in learning activities peer review or clinical supervision.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience working in Primary Care and/or as a First Contact Practitioner.
• Experience using EMIS Web.
• Experience contributing to service improvement initiatives.
• Experience initiating or implementing change.
• Level 7 postgraduate/MSc study.
• Experience as an independent prescriber and/or injection therapist.

Please get in touch today if you are interested or would like more information!