First Contact Physiotherapist

NHS; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Newcastle upon Tyne seeks a First Contact Physiotherapist to work in GP practices. This role involves assessing, diagnosing, and managing MSK patients with full clinical autonomy. The ideal candidate has significant clinical experience and will benefit from ongoing training opportunities. This position emphasizes team collaboration and integrated patient care, contributing to a supportive healthcare environment.

Benefits

12.5+ days protected CPD

Funded training opportunities

Qualifications

• HCPC and CSP registered Physiotherapist.
• Minimum 5 years post-graduate clinical experience.
• Minimum 3 years MSK clinical experience.

Responsibilities

• Independently assess, diagnose, and manage MSK presentations.
• Request investigations and make appropriate referrals.
• Develop tailored self-management plans.

Skills

HCPC registration

CSP registration

Clinical experience

MSK assessment skills

Injection therapy

Independent prescribing

Education

Completion of level 7 MSc learning

Tools

EMIS

SystmOne

Job description

As a First Contact Physiotherapist, you will work on-site in GP practices as part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team. Youll assess, diagnose, and manage MSK patients at the first point of contact - with full autonomy and clinical support.

This is not a hybrid or remote position. Youll be embedded in your practice(s), working closely with GPs, receptionists, nurses, and other MDT colleagues to deliver integrated, personalised patient care.

You will have the opportunity to use or develop advanced skills, including injection therapy and independent prescribing, supported by protected CPD time and structured supervision.

Are you ready to transform MSK care at the frontline of Primary Care?

Do you want to:

• Work for the only MSK organisation in the UK certified as a Great Place to Work?
• Receive 12.5+ days per year of protected CPD and supervision time?
• Have funded training opportunities, including injection therapy and independent prescribing?
• Be part of a fast-growing, award-winning clinical organisation that puts people first?

If you\'re an experienced physiotherapist looking to develop your career in a supportive, forward-thinking team - this could be your next move.

Main duties of the job

Clinical Practice

• Independently assess, diagnose, and manage MSK presentations, including complex cases
• Request investigations (e.g. imaging, blood tests) and make appropriate referrals
• Develop tailored self-management plans to support behavioural change and recovery
• Utilize full scope of practice, including prescribing and injection therapy (if qualified)
• Maintain daily utilisation records and collect Patient Satisfaction Questionnaires (PSQs)
• Work within a GP-based MDT, fostering strong relationships with practice staff
• Educate colleagues on MSK triage pathways and provide informal guidance
• Support clinical audits and service improvement initiatives
• Help shape and refine local MSK care pathways
• Participate in supervision and peer reflection sessions
• Continue development aligned with the HEE Roadmap to Practice
• Contribute to clinical governance and mentoring where appropriate

About us

Leading the Way in FCP Services Across the UK

Primary Care Physio is the UK\'s largest independent specialist provider of First Contact Practitioner (FCP) services dedicated to supporting NHS Primary Care Networks (PCNs). Since our founding in 2020 we have rapidly expanded to

Deliver over one million patient consultations annually

Support more than two hundred PCNs and one thousand plus GP practices

Serve a population of over nine million patients

Employ nearly four hundred FCPs and Advanced Practitioners across physiotherapy, podiatry and occupational therapy

LaingBuisson 2023 winner Best in Primary Care and Diagnostics

Certified Great Place to Work Read what our team says here https://www.greatplacetowork.co.uk/certified-company/1574534

Meet our leadership team here https://primarycarephysio.co.uk/pages/management-team

Job responsibilities

What You Will Do

Clinical Practice

• Independently assess, diagnose, and manage MSK presentations, including complex cases
• Request investigations (e.g. imaging, blood tests) and make appropriate referrals
• Develop tailored self-management plans to support behavioural change and recovery
• Utilize full scope of practice, including prescribing and injection therapy (if qualified)
• Maintain daily utilisation records and collect Patient Satisfaction Questionnaires (PSQs)
• Work within a GP-based MDT, fostering strong relationships with practice staff
• Educate colleagues on MSK triage pathways and provide informal guidance
• Support clinical audits and service improvement initiatives
• Help shape and refine local MSK care pathways
• Participate in supervision and peer reflection sessions
• Continue development aligned with the HEE Roadmap to Practice
• Contribute to clinical governance and mentoring where appropriate

Person Specification

Qualifications

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

Experience

• Minimum 5 years post-graduate clinical experience
• Minimum 3 years MSK clinical experience
• Understanding of the HEE Roadmap to Practice and the MSK Core Capabilities Framework
• Active CPD portfolio aligned to the 4 pillars of advanced practice
• Prior FCP or MSK triage experience (private or NHS)
• Experience working in GP practices
• Experience using EMIS or SystmOne

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.