First Contact Practitioner (MSK)

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

Job summary

A healthcare trust in the UK is seeking experienced MSK physiotherapists for full time and part time positions to deliver clinical care in a primary care setting. Candidates should possess advanced diagnostic skills and a commitment to effective patient pathways. The role emphasizes teamwork and offers the chance to contribute to overall service delivery improvements.

Qualifications

• Experience as an MSK physiotherapist within a First Contact Practitioner model in a primary care setting is desirable.
• Must present original certificates for qualifications at interview and during onboarding.

Responsibilities

• Be the first point of contact for patients with undiagnosed MSK disorders.
• Direct the care pathway for patients autonomously, including assessment and diagnostics.
• Explain MSK investigations and their implications to patients.

Skills

Highly developed diagnostic skills for MSK conditions

Team working

Communication skills

Education

Level 7 learning within MSK (existing or in progress)

Job description

Overview

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. Please note this vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of suitable applications are received. Both full time and part time posts are available.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.

Organization and Context

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.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Experience as an MSK physiotherapist within a First Contact Practitioner model in a primary care setting is desirable.
• Highly developed diagnostic skills for MSK conditions and ability to explain investigations to patients.
• Level 7 learning within MSK (existing or in progress).
• Must present original certificates for qualifications at interview and during onboarding.

How to Apply / Contact

For further details / informal visits contact:

Name: Katie Lockey
Job title: Therapy Lead MSK/FCP
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]

Sarah Titherley: [e-mail]
Laura Higginson: [e-mail]