Extended Scope Practitioner

NHS; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking an Extended Scope Practitioner Physiotherapist to manage spinal patient pathways at the South West Neurosurgical Centre. The role involves triage, assessments, and providing mentorship to physiotherapy staff. Candidates must be HCPC Registered with relevant physiotherapy qualifications. This position will support the development and evaluation of spinal services, ensuring compliance with clinical governance standards.

Qualifications

• Good understanding of primary and secondary care.
• Knowledge of NSFs and NICE.
• Continuing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking triage and assessment for SPOA.
• Provide initial assessment, diagnosis, and request investigations.
• Support spinal screening and triage for patients referred.
• Provide training and mentorship for physiotherapists.
• Ensure service compliance with clinical governance.

Skills

Complex case management

Excellent communication skills

Education

HCPC Registered

B.Sc. / B.Sc (Hons) / MSc Physiotherapy/equivalent

Job description

Overview

To provide an expert service as an Extended Scope Practitioner Physiotherapist in the spinal management of patients referred to the South West Neurosurgical Centre.

Working within the single point of access for spinal pathways.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking triage and assessment for SPOA. Undertake clinic on behalf of the consultant spinal surgeons and providing initial assessment and diagnosis, and after appropriate training requesting investigations and listing for surgical and therapeutic procedures and follow up of patients on behalf of the spinal surgical service, and referring on to other medical disciplines if appropriate.
• Be an expert in the rehabilitation of patients with spinal musculoskeletal conditions.
• Work in partnership with physiotherapy and other medical and allied health professional departments as an expert resource in musculoskeletal matters.
• Support spinal screening and triage for patients referred.
• Provide high level training and education, supervision and mentorship for physiotherapists both within UHP and across Devon and Cornwall.
• See a minimum of 16 new patients and 16 follow-up per week (based on 42 working weeks and pro rata) in outpatient environment (location to be agreed).
• Provide cross coverage for other members of the Neurosurgical Spinal ESP team.
• Location of clinics may be within the UHP site or within the community and these will be face to face and virtual.
• Ensure service compliance with clinical governance, agenda, ongoing service development and evaluation of outcomes and identification of audit priorities within the specialty of musculoskeletal work.
• Be proactive in leading and developing services in line with patient need, Trust-wide developments and national standards, and provide professional advice and expertise, working with managers of services to ensure equity of service.

Qualifications and Experience

• Knowledge & Experience — Essential: Good understanding of primary and secondary care and the aims and priorities of Health and Social Care; continuing professional development; knowledge of NSFs and NICE.
• Qualifications — Essential: HCPC Registered; Recognised Physiotherapy training; B.Sc. / B.Sc (Hons) / MSc Physiotherapy/equivalent. Desirable: Additional education relevant to the post; previous demonstrable experience in MSK.
• Aptitude & Abilities — Essential: Proven ability of complex case management; excellent communication skills.