We are seeking an experienced and motivated MSKPhysiotherapist to join our expanding First Contact Physiotherapy team across two PCNs in Warrington (Central East and East Warrington PCNs), covering 13 GP practices.
As an FCP, you will work autonomously at the first point of contact, providing expert assessment, diagnosis and management of MSK conditions, supporting self-management and early intervention, and working closely with the wider primary care team. You will have access to a structured FCP competency and development programme, alongside a supportive and forward‑thinking clinical network.
If you are passionate about high‑quality MSK care and want to help shape the future of primary care in Warrington, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
Job Purpose
1. Provide clinical expertise, acting as first‑contact physiotherapist and making decisions about the best course of action for patients' care (including in relation to undifferentiated conditions). This will involve seeing patients, without prior contact with their GP, in order to establish a rapid and accurate diagnosis and management plan.
2. 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.
3. To request particular diagnostic tests such as x‑rays and blood tests in line with agreed management pathways, and interpret and act on results to aid diagnosis and the management plans of patients.
Key working relationships
Patients
GPs, FCP Team, clinical pharmacists, nurses and other practice staff members
Local Services
Community nurses and other allied health professionals
Community services
Secondary Care MSK / Orthopaedic services
About us
Quay Primary Healthcare CIC are a primary care support organisation for three of the GP PCNs within Warrington. Our mission is to deliver better clinical outcomes and accessible treatment for the people of Warrington.
The power of working together across our group enables health services to be delivered by experts in the right areas at the right time in Warrington. We are passionate about the quality, level of skill and expertise, and dedication that our healthcare professionals deliver.
We provide a large number of ARR staff to the GP Practices, including paramedics, FCPs, clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. We have a strong working relationship with the Clinical Directors and PCN Management team to support their needs. We are committed to training and development of our staff on a personal, professional and organisational level.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Responsibilities underpinning the role.
The following are the core responsibilities of the first contact physiotherapist. On occasion there may be a requirement to carry out other tasks; this will be dependent on factors such as workload and staff levels.
- To manage patients presenting with a range of acute and chronic MSK conditions, providing subject matter and expert advice.
- To take professional responsibility as a first‑contact physiotherapist, with high‑level decision‑making and clinical‑reasoning skills to assess, diagnose and triage patients.
- To implement and evaluate individual physiotherapy management plans for patients in accordance with evidence base and national guidelines for best practice.
- To manage a complex caseload (including patients with long‑term conditions, co‑morbidities, and multi‑factorial needs and direct non‑MSK concerns appropriately.
- To be accountable for decisions and actions via HCPC registration, supported by a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence‑based practice.
- To work within agreed pathways of care by providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care.
- To ensure care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention.
- To provide care which 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).
- To support patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self‑management.
- To communicate effectively and appropriately with patients and carers, complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology, and prognosis.
- To work with the MDT to develop more effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services.
- To exercise professional judgement, making, justifying and taking responsibility for decisions in unpredictable situations, including in the context of incomplete/contradictory information.
- To manage interactions in complex situations, including with individuals with psychosocial and mental health needs and with colleagues across the primary care team, sectors and settings.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience as Senior Physiotherapist working in autonomous MSK role
- Expert clinical reasoning skills
- Proven multi‑disciplinary working
- Clinical experience of triage and care planning
Desirable
- Experience of working in Primary care and first contact roles
- Evidence of clinical leadership
- Evidence of research activity or skills
- Experience of computer based clinical systems, Systm1 and EMIS Web
Other requirements
Essential
- Flexibility to work outside of core office hours
- Valid UK driving licence and access to own vehicle to meet the travel requirements of the post
- Clear vision of role and commitment to working in Primary Care
- Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
- Ability to work under pressure
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc/Grad Dip in Physiotherapy.
- A minimum of five years post qualification experience.
- HCPC Registration.
Desirable
- CPD pertaining to Primary Care
- MSc modules relevant to the FCP role
- Extended Scope competencies around bloods, imaging and prescribing.
- Masters Level qualification or the equivalent specialist knowledge, skills and experience.
Skills
Essential
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people.
- Ability to work as part of a team and autonomously. Knowledge of IT systems, including ability to use word processing skills, emails and the internet to create simple plans and reports.
- Can demonstrate working at Level 7 capability in MSK related areas of practice or equivalent (such as advanced assessment diagnosis and treatment);
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Knowledge of audit and research
- Good time management skills, able to prioritise and organise workload for best effect
- Ability to promote best practice regarding all musculoskeletal matters
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion at all times
- Problem solving & analytical skills
- Ability to follow policy and procedure
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Quay Primary Healthcare CIC
Address
Unit 11 Guardian Point
Guardian Street
Warrington
WA51AU
Employer's website
http://quayhealthcare.org/ (Opens in a new tab)
£47,810 to £50,273 a year Depending on Experience (Not Agenda for Change).
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