First Contact Physiotherapist

ExamWorks Investigation Services Limited; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

Pure Physio Bristol is seeking a First Contact Physiotherapist to join its GP-site teams. The role is part-time (15-20 hours) on a permanent basis, based in Bristol, with a salary around £42,000 to £49,000 per year, pro rota to hours worked.

You will assess and manage MSK cases at first contact, provide pain management and mobility advice, order investigations when appropriate, and help reduce GP workload through early intervention and clear referrals.

Qualifications

• Qualified physiotherapist with BSc or MSc in Physiotherapy.
• Advanced MSK training aligned with national roadmap.

Responsibilities

• Assess and diagnose MSK conditions at first contact
• Provide advice on pain management, mobility and recovery
• Recommend treatment or onward referral
• Order investigations such as X-rays or blood tests when appropriate
• Reduce GP workload by managing MSK cases directly

Skills

MSK assessment

Autonomous practice

Clinical decision-making

Communication with primary care

Education

BSc/MSc Physiotherapy

Advanced MSK training

Job description

First Contact Physiotherapist

Physiotherapy Bristol Permanent Sep 18, 2026

First Contact Physiotherapist

Location: Bristol

Hours: Part time 15-20hours. Permanent.

Salary: £42,000 to £49,000. Pro Rota. Depending on experience.

Pure Physio has been a leading NHS partner since 2016, delivering highquality First Contact Physiotherapists (FCP)and wider clinical services fully integrated within Primary Care. We work collaboratively with Primary Care Networks, Neighbourhood Teams, GP Federations, GP clusters and ICBs across England, Scotland,Walesand Northern Ireland to provide communitybased, preventative healthcare that improves population health and reduces system pressure.

Our multidisciplinary teams — including First Contact Physiotherapists, Health & Wellbeing Coaches and Social Prescribers — focus on early intervention, prevention andlongtermwellbeing. We support MSK care, longterm conditions (including CVD,diabetesand persistent pain), social prescribing, women’s health, neurology,rheumatologyand geriatric care.

A First Contact Physiotherapist is an MSK specialist based in GP practices who can assess,diagnoseand support patients at their very first point of contact — without needing to see a GP first.

What do FCPs do?

• Assess and diagnose MSK conditions on the patient’s first contact
• Provideexpert advice on pain management,mobilityand recovery
• Recommend treatment or onward referral to specialists
• Order investigations such asXraysor blood tests when appropriate
• Reduce GP workload by managing MSK cases directly

Attimesan APP maybe requiredto fulfil a requirement to

• Take on complex MSK presentations that exceed FCP scope
• Support patients with multimorbidities (CVD, diabetes, frailty, mental health)
• Provide advanced rehabilitation planning
• Reduce unnecessary referrals to secondary care

Whydo these roles matter?

Musculoskeletal problems account for around 30% of all GP appointments.So,weensure patients get faster access to the right clinician, improving outcomes while freeing up GP time for other health needs.

Training and Expertise

All FCPs are qualified physiotherapists with:

• A BSc or MSc in Physiotherapy
• Advanced MSK training aligned with the national FCP/Advanced Practice Roadmap

This enables them to work autonomously, request investigations and make complex clinical decisions.

In Summary

A First Contact Physiotherapist from Pure Physio gives patients rapid, expert assessmentswhile supporting PCNs with transparent reporting, preventative care and integratedcommunitybasedservices.

PP1

BH1350