Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapist

NCH&C is proud to be the first standalone NHS community trust in the UK to achieve an 'Outstanding' rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Our focus is on continually improving the quality of care we offer to local people and on improving access to that care, helping people to move seamlessly from one service to another. Praising NCH&C's "compassionate, inclusive and effective leadership at all levels", the CQC observed that our staff are well supported to make positive changes and innovations. Norfolk Community Health & Care NHS Trust is committed to continuing to create a modern and inclusive work environment. As part of this commitment we actively promote flexible working opportunities where possible, to meet the needs and wishes of our workforce to maintain and improve their wellbeing. The trust offers a range of flexibility, including flexible working patterns, and we would encourage you to discuss this with the recruiting manager before or during the application process if this would interest you. We welcome applications from people who share our values and can help us deliver outstanding care in our local community. Before applying for this vacancy, please make sure you\'re familiar with ongoing GOV.uk sponsorship eligibility criteria which will impact the organisations ability to provide sponsorship, whether this is currently or in the future. Specifically for band 3 roles within healthcare please be aware of the salary threshold required for a certificate of sponsorship to be granted, and that unfortunately overseas applicants who are new to care will not reach the minimum salary threshold to obtain a certificate of sponsorship and therefore your application will be withdrawn. With effect from the 1^st April 2026 Norfolk Community Health & Care NHS Trust will be merging with Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust to form a new organisation. The new Trust will provide a wide range of community health and social care services to over 4 million people, with a budget of circa £380 million and a workforce of over 7,000 people., This is an opportunity for an experienced Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapist to progress their career into a Specialist role working within an MSK Assessment and Triage Service.

1. To have an active role in the assessment of a wide range of musculoskeletal, chronic pain and rheumatological conditions based on advanced theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, neuro-anatomy and pathology, often in situations where conflicting evidence and/or complex bio-psychosocial issues are present. To apply advanced clinical reasoning skills to assess and form a diagnosis and ensure progress through the appropriate care pathway.
2. To recognise the most appropriate pathway for patients such as when referral to specialist Orthopaedic, Rheumatology or Pain Management is fully appropriate. To use theoretical and practical knowledge to make recommendations for further management of the condition and assist the patient as far as possible in the referral process. This requires knowledge and understanding of the role of other health professionals, (e.g. psychology, occupational therapy, pharmacy, orthopaedics, rheumatology, pain clinic, general practitioner).
3. To communicate some highly complex patient related information effectively to ensure collaborative working within the MSK, pain and rheumatology services/teams and with multidisciplinary colleagues across health and social care sectors to ensure the delivery of a coordinated multidisciplinary care. Making appropriate recommendations for further management and ensuring that the patient is informed.
4. To accept clinical responsibility for a designated caseload of patients and to organise this effectively and efficiently with regards to clinical priorities and use of time.
5. To independently or with the Enhanced Scope Practitioner triage referrals and make onward referrals as appropriate. This will involve the coordination of the patient\'s complex pathway of care between healthcare professionals comprising the multidisciplinary team. The multidisciplinary team consists of Allied Health Professionals, Healthcare Scientists, GP\'s, Doctors and Consultants in both primary and secondary care and may involve other agencies e.g. social care. Thus, the clinician will be expected to refer on beyond their scope of practice.
6. To undertake comprehensive assessment of patients, including those with complex presentation, using investigative and analytical skills and to formulate individualised management and treatment plans, using clinical reasoning and utilising a wide range of treatment skills and options to formulate a specialised programme of care. There may be conflicting information to make a judgement on the best course of action to be taken for the management of patient\'s condition.

On April 1st 2025, the Boards of Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust and Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust will come together to deliver services as a group, with a singular board operating across both organisations. Both trusts are high performing specialist community health and care providers working in the East of England. Both have a strong track record, with the highest ratings from the Care Quality Commission, best in class NHS staff survey outcomes, and a decade of experience in innovation and clinical development.

The group model provides health and care services to the population in their homes and neighbourhoods. We provide care that supports people from the very beginning to the very end of their lives.

We will remain two separate employers until further notice, and this role being advertised will be employed by Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust.

MSK Assessment and Triage Service provides care to patients from Norwich, South and West Norfolk. There are strong links with other NCHC MSK services including MSK First Contact Practitioners, Foot and Ankle Biomechanics , MSK Physiotherapy, ESCAPE classes, Continence and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy, and Hand Therapy. The MSK services all work via a combination of face to face and remote consultations, with MSK MATS currently working from clinics in Norwich, South and West Norfolk. Clinicians will be asked to work across multiple sites. As a whole, MSK Services promotes continuous professional development and regular supervision in a variety of formats as we recognise the clinical and personal importance of this.

Apply now to join an organisation that has been awarded an \'Outstanding\' rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the highest possible rating and the first stand-alone NHS community trust in the country to be awarded the title.