Advanced Practice Physiotherapist - Spines

The successful candidate will provide an expert service as an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist in the management of patients referred to the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Trauma and Orthopaedic Spinal Service.

To work in partnership with the Multidisciplinary spinal teams as an expert resource in Spinal musculoskeletal conditions. Working primarily in orthopaedic clinics, they will be responsible for the diagnosis and management of patients with spinal conditions, from referral sources including Minor Injury Units, GPs and Physiotherapy.

The post is provided to support improvements against the Welsh Government treatment guidelines for treatment and outpatient pathways.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.

As an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist the post holder will ensure the delivery of a high-quality service to the local population.

To be responsible for a complex orthopaedic caseload, using enhanced clinical decision-making skills in close collaboration with relevant consultants.

They will also take the lead on developing post-operative follow-up services for surgical patients, including collecting appropriate PROMs.

To act as an expert practitioner in the field of spinal orthopaedic disorders demonstrating advanced clinical skills and knowledge beyond those associated with a conventional physiotherapy role.

To manage clinical risk within own patient caseload. Management of patients that would have traditionally been referred into secondary care orthopaedic services with spinal and peripheral problems and involves the use of advanced decision-making and clinical reasoning skills to perform clinical interventions that may fall outside the normal scope of physiotherapy practice.

Independent decision making regarding the clinical diagnosis and future clinical management of presenting patients through the assimilation of clinical assessment and the requesting and interpretation of the results of specific medical investigations such as X rays, MRI, USS and pathology tests.

To communicate complex condition related information to patients and relatives.

To undertake physical treatment techniques utilising highly specialised and developed clinical skills.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is a multi-award-winning NHS organisation with a passion for caring. The Health Board provides an exceptional workplace where you can feel trusted and valued. Whatever your specialty or stage in your career, we have opportunities for everyone to start, grow and build your career. The health board provides integrated acute, primary and community care serving a population of 650,000 and employing over 16,000 staff.

We offer a fantastic benefits package and extensive training and development opportunities with paid mandatory training, excellent in-house programmes, opportunities to complete recognised qualifications and professional career pathways including a range of management development programmes. We offer flexible working and promote a healthy work life balance, provide occupational health support and an ambitious plan for a Wellbeing Centre of Excellence to support you at work.

Our Clinical Futures strategy continues to enhance and promote care closer to home as well as high quality hospital care when needed. Join us on our journey to pioneer new ways of working and deliver a world-class healthcare service fit for the future.

Essential criteria

• Diploma/degree in Physiotherapy
• HCPC Registration
• Masters Degree if equivalent demonstrable level of knowledge and experience
• Comprehensive post-graduate training including recognised/validated training in appropriate speciality
• Evidence of portfolio of relevant CPD including formal attendance at specialist courses and informal training

Desirable criteria

• Member of appropriate special interest group/s
• Working towards relevant higher qualification
• Ability to undertake soft tissue injections with evidence of appropriate relevant training
• Independent prescribing qualification or willingness to undertake training

Essential criteria

• Autonomous practitioner with highly specialist clinical skills in spinal orthopaedics and musculoskeletal physiotherapy
• Extensive relevant clinical experience including working as part of orthopaedic teams and wider MDT
• Demonstrable extensive experience of diagnosis, investigation and management of spinal conditions as part of orthopaedic and physiotherapy teams
• Previous experience at Band 6 level
• Able to demonstrate substantial experience as a physiotherapist managing a range of patients, including expert physiotherapy management of acute knee injuries
• Experience of working collaboratively with Orthopaedics/AHPs to develop and evaluate clinical pathways

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of publication of research including poster presentations

Essential criteria

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Effective efficient and diplomatic communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work independently and cope with time and workload pressures
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances respond to dynamic situations
• Committed to personal and team development

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board supports flexible working.

Please note that this vacancy may be withdrawn at any time should it be filled via the internal redeployment process.