First Contact Physiotherapist

Primary Care Physio is England's largest independent specialist provider of first-contact primary care services. We are dedicated to supporting NHS Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and their GP practices by delivering high-quality, tech-enabled primary care FCP (First Contact Practitioner) solutions in Physiotherapy and Podiatry.

Our talented team of over 335 First Contact Physios, First Contact Podiatrists, and Advanced Practitioners is supported by experienced clinical supervisors, approved by Health Education England under the FCP Roadmap to Practice. To date, we have been commissioned by over 175 NHS PCNs to deliver integrated, local FCP managed services.

Currently, we support approximately 15% of all GP practices across the country, serving a combined patient population of over 8 million. Locally, several PCNs within the ICB area have commissioned us to deliver a fully managed, high-quality FCP service.

Working with us offers the best of both worlds. While you’ll become an integrated, consistent member of the GP practice multidisciplinary team, you’ll also benefit from professional peer support and clinical supervision provided by our expansive, nationwide network.

Please note that the postcode listed in the advert is indicative only. These PCN FCP roles operate across multiple GP practices in the area, offering significant flexibility regarding work locations.

Main duties of the job

To be eligible for this role, you must be a fully HCPC- and CSP-registered physiotherapist with a minimum of 5 years of post-graduate experience, including at least 3 years of relevant MSK clinical expertise, in alignment with HEE's Roadmap to Practice.

We’re looking for a confident MSK practitioner and communicator who thrives on collaboration with colleagues internally and across GP practice multidisciplinary teams.

You should be a highly motivated individual, passionate about enhancing your clinical skills and striving to become the best diagnostic clinician possible.

Flexibility is essential for adapting to the fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of primary care, as well as embracing the challenges it presents.

Additionally, you should have a natural drive for innovation, a strong appreciation for the role of digital advancements in healthcare, and a desire to continually improve services. Your contributions will support Primary Care Physio in delivering evidence-based best practices within your area of work.

About us

We are a non-bureaucratic, non-hierarchical, and highly supportive team dedicated to providing excellent primary care first-contact MSK services. Our "can-do" attitude and positive approach drive our passion for delivering exceptional care.

We welcome applicants from diverse career backgrounds, including NHS B6, B7 & B8, private practice & professional sport.

We take pride in offering unrivalled day-to-day peer support, continuing professional development (CPD), and training opportunities. Each team member benefits from 4 hours of protected supervision and CPD time per week, equivalent to 27 days annually, including a weekly one-on-one session with an HEE-approved FCP Supervisor.

Our commitment to professional growth extends to supporting team members through the Roadmap, across all routes whether via the HEI taught route, HEI-supported portfolio route, or the independent portfolio verification process. Additionally, we fully fund external Level 7 MSc courses such as Injection Therapy and Non-Medical Prescribing.

Having mobilized over 175 PCN FCP services, we understand that transitioning to primary care or undertaking an FCP post for the first time can be daunting. Our extensive experience in implementing FCP services ensures that both you and the primary care network receive comprehensive support, setting the stage for a successful service delivery.

Job responsibilities

Clinical Practice

• Assess, diagnose, triage, and manage patients, taking responsibility for the management of a complex caseload. You will progress and request investigations when trained to do so (such as x-rays and blood tests) and referrals to facilitate diagnosis and choice of treatment.
• Develop and make use of your full scope of clinical practice, including skills relating to independent prescribing, injection therapy and investigation when trained to do so.
• Manage complex interactions, including working with patients with psychosocial and mental health needs, referring to social prescribing when appropriate.
• Deliver programmes of supported patient self-management, in ways that facilitate behavioural change, optimise individuals' physical activity, mobility, fulfilment of personal goals and independence, and that minimise the need for pharmacological interventions.
• Provide care that is tailored to the individual needs. This would include, appraising the impact of individuals' clinical status on their general health, well-being, employment status (including in relation to function, physical activity, mobility and independence).
• Support patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management.

Evidence, Research, and Development

• Develop relationships and a collaborative working approach across the PCN supporting the integration of pathways in primary care.
• Work as part of an MDT in a patient-facing role, using your expert knowledge of MSK issues, to create stronger links for wider MSK services through clinical leadership, teaching and evaluation skills.
• Support research and audit programmes to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of our FCP service.
• Streamline the pathway of care by providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care.

Leadership

• Lead, manage and contribute to service delivery.
• Implement all aspects of effective clinical governance for own practice, including undertaking regular audit and evaluation, supervision and training.
• Communicate effectively and appropriately, with patients and carers, complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology, prognosis and treatment choices supporting personalised care.

Facilitating learning

• Provide feedback and support to other PCN clinical team members on appropriate referral criteria.
• Critically reflect on your own practice, and continue to develop your skills.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years post-graduate physiotherapy experience. Minimum 3 years of clinical experience of delivering musculoskeletal assessment and treatment.
• Previous clinical experience of first contact triage clinical work; even if in the private sector. Previous experience of working in a GP practice. Previous experience of using EMIS / SystmOne.

Experience

• Fully HCPC and CSP registered practicing Physiotherapist.
• Completion of some level 7 MSc learning. Qualified injection therapist and / or independent prescriber.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.