Hand Therapist

NHS; Barnstaple; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider seeks a Hand Therapist to manage patient care and provide training within a multidisciplinary team. Ideal candidates will be either Band 7 or Band 6 professionals eager to develop their skills in Hand Therapy. The position offers opportunities for growth and professional development, along with a supportive team environment in North Devon. Flexibility in working patterns and generous benefits are included.

Benefits

Comprehensive occupational health services

Staff discounts on shopping and fitness

Cycle to work scheme

NHS Pension scheme

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Previous experience in Hand Therapy is desirable.
• Completion of relevant educational qualifications.
• Knowledge of conditions affecting the hand.
• Willingness to cross-cover to Rheumatology Outpatient Service.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of patients referred from various sources.
• Provide clinical supervision and training to multidisciplinary teams.
• Work closely with Hand Surgeons on patient care.
• Contribute to Hand Therapy service development.

Skills

Hands-on patient management

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

BSc in Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy

Accreditation through the British Association of Hand Therapy

Job description

Go back Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Hand Therapist

The closing date is 12 November 2025

We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to continue to develop the Hand Therapy Service across North Devon, for the surgical and non-surgical treatment of conditions relating to the hand, wrist and elbow.

If you are looking for a role working within a small, supportive and friendly team, based in glorious North Devon, then this is the post for you.

This is an exciting opportunity for either a current Band 7 Hand Therapist, or a Band 6 Physio or OT, wanting to enhance their knowledge, skills and practice in the area of Hand Therapy.

Main duties of the job

For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.

About us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford).

Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within peoples own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Its never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as youll help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Job responsibilities

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our team as a Hand Therapy Specialist. The ideal candidate will hold either a Band 7 position or be a Band 6 professional with a keen interest in Hand Therapy, eager to enhance their skills and expertise.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a caseload of patients referred by Orthopaedic Hand Surgeons, General Orthopaedic Surgeons, Orthopaedic Interface Service, Plastic Surgeons (Eastern), AHPs, the Emergency Department and GPs within North Devon.
• Provide clinical supervision and training to other team members and multidisciplinary teams across North Devon.
• Work closely with Hand Surgeons, adopting a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach to deliver high-quality patient care.
• Contribution and participation in Hand Therapy service development.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Previous experience in Hand Therapy is highly desirable but not essential.
• Completion of or willingness to undertake accreditation through the British Association of Hand Therapy or an MSc.
• Knowledge of conditions affecting the hand and upper limb, core assessment and treatment skills, and previous splinting skills desirable.
• A requirement to cross-cover to the Rheumatology Outpatient Service during absences if necessary.

Professional Development:

• Opportunities for growth through Continual Professional Development. This may include internal and external training programmes

Supervision and Support:

The successful candidate will receive regular clinical supervision and yearly appraisal, supporting their professional development and ensuring the highest quality of patient care.

Application Information:

We invite qualified candidates with a passion for hand therapy and a commitment to patient care excellence to apply for this rewarding position.

To express your interest in this opportunity, please submit your application.

Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Occasional weekend and bank holiday work may be required to support the current inpatient rota.

For further information please contact Karen Trotter Hand Therapy Advanced Practitioner [e-mail]

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.

Person Specification

General Requirements

• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description
• See job description text above, and (where applicable) you can download a copy of the full job description

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.

Employer name

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust