First Contact Practitioner (MSK)

Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS Foundation Trust; Wigan; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in the UK is seeking experienced MSK physiotherapists to deliver clinical care in a primary care setting. The role involves direct patient contact, assessments, and collaborating within primary care networks. Ideal candidates will possess Level 7 learning in MSK and have strong diagnostic skills, working alongside a dedicated team to improve service delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience as an MSK physiotherapist in primary care.
• Confidence in explaining MSK investigations and their implications to patients.
• Evidence of team working and service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Act as first point of contact for patients with undiagnosed MSK disorders.
• Direct patient care, including assessment, diagnosis, and referral.
• Provide support and training within the PCN and wider FCP team.

Skills

Differential diagnostic skills

Team working

MSK expertise

Education

Level 7 learning in MSK

Job description

We are excited to welcome applications from experienced MSK physiotherapists who are seeking to deliver the highest level of clinical care from a general practice setting. The First Contact Practitioner (FCP) model has been designed to support musculoskeletal clinicians in primary care as well as provide a resilient framework for the future of FCP delivery.

The role will be based predominantly in Primary Care, within the established FCP team within a PCN. You will be the first point of contact for patients with undiagnosed MSK disorders and will need highly developed differential diagnostic skills to ensure patients are managed safely, efficiently, and effectively.

You will direct the care pathway for your patients autonomously, including assessment and diagnostics, provision of diagnosis, appropriate self‑care advice or onward referral as indicated.

You should understand indications for, and limitations of, relevant MSK investigations, and will be confident in explaining their use and implications to patients. You should have or be currently undertaking Level 7 learning within MSK.

This role is designed to establish MSK expertise in Primary Care, and as such you will work closely in practices to build excellent working relationships with the PCN team members. You will bring expert MSK knowledge to your PCN, and as such will be a resource to the wider team. You will work closely with your Band 8a FCP to provide support and training within the PCN and wider FCP team. You will need to have clear evidence of team working and will be expected to support the Band 8a FCP in effective service delivery, audit and improvement. Although the role will be primarily Primary Care based, you will also be a key resource for the wider MSK and Physiotherapy team.

Choose Well - Choose WWL

Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that "happy staff, makes for happy patients". We have a recognised track record in staff engagement, and living our values "the WWL Way".

WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. With this in mind we are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.