Specialist Respiratory Physiotherapist

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS teaching trust in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced Physiotherapist to perform specialist assessments and devise treatment plans for complex cases. The role requires autonomy in various healthcare settings and may involve supervising junior staff. Ideal candidates will possess a degree in Physiotherapy, HCPC registration, and significant experience in respiratory medicine. Competitive compensation and opportunities for professional development are provided.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Access to health resources

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years NHS experience is desirable.
• 2 years experience in respiratory medicine specialty is preferred.
• Must be able to supervise and develop physiotherapy students and new staff.

Responsibilities

• Perform specialist assessments of patients with complex presentations.
• Develop appropriate treatment plans as an autonomous practitioner.
• Participate in the operational management and development of the service.
• Support teaching and supervision of junior physiotherapists.

Skills

Autonomy in clinical practice

Clinical reasoning

Effective communication

Knowledge of respiratory conditions

Education

Degree in Physiotherapy (BSc Hons)

HCPC Registration

Post-graduate learning in relevant field

Job description

Overview

Performs specialist assessment of patients, including those with highly complex presentations, and formulates appropriate treatment plans. Works as an autonomous practitioner in a variety of healthcare settings including outpatient, inpatient and domiciliary outreach. Assists in supervision, teaching and appraisal of senior and junior physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and other MDT members. Assists the team leader in the operational management and development of the service, deputising as required. Participates in evidence‑based projects and assists in implementing changes within the service, with monitoring of standards of practice.

Responsibilities

• To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of own professional activities.
• Undertake specialist assessment of patients as an autonomous practitioner, including highly complex presentations, using clinical reasoning, evidence‑based practice and advanced expertise to determine appropriate interventions.
• Interpret and analyse clinical and non‑clinical facts to form accurate diagnoses in a wide range of highly complex conditions.
• Formulate accurate prognoses and recommend best course of intervention, developing and implementing comprehensive treatment plans.
• Be responsible for own patient care plans and be consulted frequently for specialist advice by junior team members and other health care professionals.
• Continuously reassess patients to progress treatments effectively and be highly competent in assessing cardio‑respiratory conditions based on specialist knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology.
• Deal with distressing or emotional circumstances regarding patient care with sensitivity; participate in health promotion and liaison with MDT members regarding patient care.
• Communicate effectively with all disciplines involved in the patient’s care in hospital and community settings to ensure a multidisciplinary, integrated service.
• Attend meetings and case conferences and liaise with other disciplines to achieve comprehensive, confidential patient management throughout long‑term care.
• Refer to other healthcare professionals or teams as appropriate; manage clinical risk within own caseload; maintain accurate written records and ensure timely written communication (letters, dictation, reports).

Management and Service Development

• Assist the Lead Specialist Physiotherapist and Lead Respiratory Physiologist in ensuring quality standards and effectiveness of patient care; deputise in day‑to‑day operational management of the service.
• Support equipment usage, repair, maintenance reporting, and ensure staff competency prior to use; comply with Trust policies and Health and Safety requirements.
• Participate in appraisal schemes, mandatory training, departmental meetings, and maintain evaluative records for clinical caseloads.
• Provide statistics and analysis reports for the designated service; oversee induction of new staff and ensure stock levels and equipment ordering per Trust policy.
• Plan and organise own time; manage a caseload including urgent referrals and prioritise clinical work according to departmental standards.
• Work to ensure service quality standards based on CSP Clinical Practice, HCPC standards and national guidelines; motivate colleagues and maintain strong team communications.

Education and Professional Development

• Assist in provision of specialised teaching to physiotherapists, other healthcare professionals, carers, students and hospice staff; maintain own CPD portfolio and performance plans in line with HCPC standards.
• Convey complex knowledge of techniques, biomechanics, anatomy and physiology to patients and staff; supervise and develop physiotherapists, students and MDT members.
• Supervise undergraduate and masters students, liaise with academic institutions, and support clinical educators as required.

Research, Audit and Standards

• Participate in ongoing audits and evidence‑based projects relevant to the clinical field; supervise rotational staff’ projects; stay current with respiratory medicine and long‑term ventilation practices and relevant standards.
• Ensure knowledge of national and local standards; contribute to clinical governance, including clinical effectiveness, risk management and research development.

Education and Regulatory

• Assist in provision of specialised teaching; maintain CPD; ensure performance plans align with HCPC code of conduct and standards.
• Assess patient capacity and obtain informed consent where applicable; work within a legal framework for patients lacking capacity.
• Maintain knowledge of confidence and communication strategies for diverse patient groups (including non‑English speakers and patients with communication disorders).

Qualifications

• Degree in Physiotherapy (BSc Hons).
• HCPC Registration.
• Desirable: Minimum 5 years NHS experience.
• Desirable: Post‑graduate/further learning in relevant field; minimum 2 years experience in respiratory medicine specialty; UK professional registration as applicable.

Note: The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of duties. It is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and Disclosure to check for any previous convictions (DBS disclosure as required).

Organisational Context

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts, providing a wide range of general and specialist clinical services, and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Oxford Sleep & Ventilation Service is a tertiary centre supporting diverse patient needs. Our values are Delivering Compassionate Excellence: compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.