Highly Specialist Musculoskeletal Therapist

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust; Carshalton; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a full-time Highly Specialist Musculoskeletal (MSK) Therapist to support their Virtual Fracture Clinic at St Helier Hospital. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in treating orthopaedic conditions and demonstrate strong leadership skills. Responsibilities include managing a caseload of fracture patients and ensuring timely treatment. The role offers a salary range from £53,751 to £60,651 annually.

Responsibilities

• Ensure orthopaedic trauma patients are treated appropriately in a timely manner.
• Supervise, in the absence of the Band 8A, the Band 6 MSK Therapist.
• Liaise closely with the Orthopaedic Consultant of the Week discussing treatment plans.

Skills

Diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions

Evidence of extended nursing or advanced practitioner skills

Ability to demonstrate skills in negotiation and conflict management

Ability to challenge peers and other members of the multi-disciplinary teams practice

Education

Registration Health and Care Professions Council

Evidence of post-registration training in Trauma & Orthopaedics

Immediate Life Support (ILS)

IRMER Qualification

Job description

Highly Specialist Musculoskeletal Therapist

Closing date: 10 February 2026

Job Summary

Band 7 Highly Specialist MSK Therapist. Full-time. Main base: St Helier Hospital.

The Trauma & Orthopaedic Department is seeking a full-time Highly Specialist MSK Therapist to support our Virtual Fracture Clinic. This role is predominantly based at St Helier Hospital, with occasional travel to Epsom Hospital to support clinics at that location.

Ideal candidates currently work at band 6 level or above, with extensive MSK experience in orthopaedic conditions. The role forms part of a structure that includes the VFC APP lead, band 6 physiotherapist, T & O consultants & registrars, and administration. Candidates should be dynamic, flexible, great team players who can work autonomously with strong clinical decision‑making skills in challenging environments. Comfort with virtual MSK consultations and a busy fracture clinic caseload is required. Leadership skills are needed to deputise for the VFC Clinical Lead when necessary.

Main Duties of the Job

The post holder, a highly experienced MSK therapist with orthopaedic experience, supports the Lead for the Virtual Fracture Clinic Service, ensuring a cohesive service for all Orthopaedic Trauma patients.

Autonomously undertakes assessment and treatment of adults and children presenting in the Virtual Fracture Clinic, determining a clinical diagnosis, treatment plan, and appropriate discharge within professional boundaries.

Carries a caseload in fracture clinic providing specialist MSK care, working at a specialist level in collaboration with and supervised by lead consultants. Leads management of proximal humeral fractures, Achilles ruptures and soft tissue injuries with support from the VFC Clinical Lead.

About Us

St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).

After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospital group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospital group will help us collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000‑strong workforce.

Job Responsibilities

• Ensure orthopaedic trauma patients are treated appropriately in a timely manner.
• Supervise, in the absence of the Band 8A, the Band 6 MSK Therapist as part of their rotation from the MSK department.
• Liaise closely with the Orthopaedic Consultant of the Week (CoW) discussing treatment plans for patients presented through ED requiring orthopaedic input, and manage the plan for these patients.
• Request bloods, x-rays, CT/MRI scanning of patient, with outcome and plan of care.
• Explain clearly the treatment plan with the patient, including advising of distressing news, and delegate to junior nurse as necessary.
• Create and analyse reports for the VFC, making service improvements where necessary.
• Input and update all patient data in the database.
• Review waiting list numbers against waiting times, and manage improvements to reduce unnecessary waits.
• Refer patients to other specialties.
• Support the VFC Clinical Lead to evaluate the service regularly and implement service improvements.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge

• Significant experience in treating trauma and orthopaedic patients in an acute setting.
• Experience in the ordering and interpretation of diagnostic images.
• Experience of independently discharging minor illnesses and injuries.
• Experience with evidence of leadership and operational management of a team of healthcare professionals.
• Experience of running clinics.
• Working knowledge of a wide range of approaches to the management of fractures and acute soft tissue injuries demonstrated by advanced clinical reasoning.
• Involvement in carrying out clinical audit including coordination, evaluation and the use of findings to make service developments.

Desirable Knowledge

• Experience of assessment of competency of other members of staff.
• Experience of working in a VFC environment.
• Budgetary experience.

Essential Qualifications

• Registration Health and Care Professions Council or Advanced Clinical Practitioner.
• Evidence of post‑registration training in Trauma & Orthopaedics / CPD and reflective practice.
• Immediate Life Support (ILS).
• IRMER Qualification.

Desirable Qualifications

• Master's degree in Advance Practice or working towards.
• Advance Life Support (ALS) or working towards.
• Minor injuries course.

Essential Skills

• Diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions.
• Evidence of extended nursing or advanced practitioner skills.
• Ability to demonstrate skills in negotiation and conflict management.
• Able to demonstrate well‑developed problem solving skills to enhance clinical decision‑making and expert nursing assessment.
• Ability to analyse performance and statistical information.
• Ability to maintain judgement, work and make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to challenge peers and other members of the multi‑disciplinary teams practice to the benefit of patients and carer.

Desirable Skills

• Experience of gathering and analysing detailed information.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer Details

Employer name: Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust

Address: St Helier Hospital, Wrythe Lane, Carshalton, SM5 1AA

Employer website: https://www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/work-for-us

£53,751 to £60,651 a year, Pay inclusive Health and Care Support outer pro rata