Senior Physiotherapist (Trauma rotation)

Graphics Express LLC; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Plymouth seeks a Band 6 or Band 5 Physiotherapist to join their trauma service. The position involves delivering an enhanced physiotherapy service across several departments, providing treatment and assessment for diverse patients. Applicants should possess a relevant degree and HCPC registration, with experience in Neurology, Acute Respiratory, and Trauma care essential. Opportunities for on-call duties and professional development are available.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Demonstrable broad post-graduate clinical experience in Neurology, Acute Respiratory, Trauma and Orthopaedics/Frailty.
• Experience in clinical education/supervision and multidisciplinary teamwork.

Responsibilities

• To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own work.
• Undertake comprehensive assessments of patients with diverse or complex presentations.
• Formulate and deliver individual physiotherapy treatment programmes.

Skills

Physiotherapy clinical experience

Effective communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Degree (BSc Hons Physiotherapy) or equivalent

HCPC registration

Job description

Overview

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is looking for an existing Band 6 or Band 5 Physiotherapist who wishes to extend and develop their assessment and treatment skills to join our trauma service. This post is also suitable for a Band 5 transitioning to Band 6 on completion of training and competency to deliver trauma services within UHP NHS Trust. The successful candidate will join established teams delivering an enhanced seven day physiotherapy service, including weekend and evening work, as part of the wider physiotherapy department with a commitment to respiratory on-call. A comprehensive on-call competency pack and pathway supports staff going on-call.

These teams provide physiotherapy services to Cardiothoracics, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, Health Care of Elderly and Emergency Department, and trauma ward. The role includes both major trauma and elective patients across these areas.

Note: Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, Priority and At Risk status including NHS At Risk staff in Devon who can demonstrate recent relevant experience as per the Person Specification.

Job Responsibilities

• To be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own work, including the management of patients in your care.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive patient treatment records in line with CSP standards and local/Trust policy; communicate with other disciplines as needed (meetings, reports, letters).
• Undertake comprehensive assessments of patients with diverse or complex presentations; use advanced clinical reasoning and manual assessment techniques to diagnose conditions.
• Formulate and deliver individual physiotherapy treatment programmes based on evidence-based practice, including specialist neurological or respiratory techniques, manual therapy, patient education and other options.
• Take delegated responsibility from the Band 7 physiotherapist for managing patients and provide specialist assessment/treatment plans where appropriate.
• Develop prognoses and management plans; assess understanding, gain informed consent, and comply with confidentiality, child protection and vulnerable adult procedures.
• Communicate effectively with patients/carers using a range of verbal/non-verbal methods to progress rehabilitation, including patients with communication difficulties.
• Evaluate progress, reassess and adjust treatment plans as required; manage clinical risk within own caseload and report incidents/near misses.
• Work within trust and CSP guidelines; monitor and contribute to quality of practice.
• Occasionally undertake community/home visits and, when required, work as a lone practitioner with remote support from a senior physiotherapist.
• Be an active member of the respiratory evening and weekend on-call rota and the seven-day service across medical/surgical/cardiothoracic/critical care, ensuring competencies are maintained.
• Assist with emergency duty on-call duties, including assessment and treatment of acutely ill patients with respiratory/orthopaedic/neurology needs, and provide advice to the multidisciplinary team.
• Train, supervise and performance-manage junior staff, technical instructors, assistants and students, with assistance from senior team members; contribute to formal appraisals.
• Represent the physiotherapy service in multidisciplinary team meetings, ensuring coordinated care and involvement in discharge planning.
• Ensure the safe and competent use of electrotherapy equipment, gym equipment, and patient aids, ensuring junior staff attain competency prior to use.

About Us

We are a people business where every member of staff matters. The Trust supports career development in a progressive working environment and offers a vibrant city setting with a historic reputation for adventure. Communication will be electronic; check email regularly. For application support including reasonable adjustments, contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100.

We welcome requests for less than full-time/flexible working and will consider these with careful consideration. We encourage diversity to strengthen our teams. Vacancies may close early and shortlisted status will be communicated in due course.

Details

Date posted: 15 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 6

Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 216-CB-C7462534

Job locations: Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

Job Description and Person Specification

Essential qualifications and skills

• Degree (BSc Hons Physiotherapy) or equivalent; HCPC registration; evidence of attendance at relevant professional courses.

Essential knowledge and experience

• Demonstrable broad post-graduate clinical experience in Neurology, Acute Respiratory, Trauma and Orthopaedics / Frailty.
• Experience in clinical education/supervision and multidisciplinary teamwork; awareness of NHS trauma care issues; CPD evidence.

Desirable

• Experience in Cardiothoracics/Neurosurgery/ICU/Emergency care/Older Person/Major trauma/MSK; clinical educator courses; experience in a large acute environment.
• Leadership qualification or MSc relevant to the area; service improvement experience.

Aptitude & Abilities

• Effective communication skills (written and verbal); ability to prioritise workload.
• Service improvement experience (desirable).

Disclosures and Sponsorship

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975; a Disclosure submission will be made.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered. See UK Visas and Immigration guidance. UK registration with current HCPC/NHS Careers information is required.

Employer details

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH. Website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/