Job Summary
You will work across Teesdale PCN which includes 6 GP practices, to support the diagnosis and treatment of patients with musculoskeletal conditions. You will act as a first point of contact for patients with new musculoskeletal conditions, offering evidence based treatment to help manage these conditions. You will offer expert advice to other members of the practice team, including GPs and nurses, to support high quality patient care. You will have a minimum of 5 years post graduate MSK experience in an NHS or MSK role, and will be able to work independently without direct supervision in this role.
Main duties of the job
* Be the first point of contact for expert clinical assessment and diagnosis of patients presenting with MSK conditions in GP practice. This will include patients who present with a range of multiple needs and underlying pathologies/other primary conditions.
* Use of advanced clinical assessment tools and application of expert treatment modalities/techniques will be required.
* The link between primary, community and acute services, including provision of triage to other services and/or directly providing management and advice.
* Demonstrate effective communication between primary care services/GP practices and other relevant care providers. Educate others on the role of the FCP.
* Work independently, without daily supervision to assess, diagnose, triage, and manage patients, taking responsibility for prioritising and managing a caseload of the PCNs Registered Patients.
* Receive patients who self-refer or from a clinical professional within the PCN, and where required refer to other health professionals within the PCN.
* Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a patient facing role, using their expert knowledge of MSK physiotherapy.
* Develop integrated and tailored care programmes in partnership with patients, providing a range of first line treatment options including self-management, referral to rehabilitation focussed services and social prescribing.
About Us
A group of 12 GP practices across Durham Dales set up the Durham Dales Health Federation (DDHF) to share resources and provide high-quality primary healthcare services. DDHF employs a range of clinical staff including pharmacists, dispensers, nurses, emergency care practitioners and social prescribing link workers, as well as non-clinical administration support staff.
Benefits
Paid mileage. NHS pension. A car lease scheme which is transferable. Training and development support. Regular 1-2-1 support and appraisal. Dress Down Friday. Complimentary refreshments. Free Car Park. Health service discounts. Immunisations offered. Eye tests reimbursed.
Details
Date posted: 03 September 2025
Pay scheme
Salary £45,708 to £52,308 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
U0041-25-0012
Job locations
Unit 51 Innovation House, Longfield Road, South Church Enterprise Park, Bishop Auckland, Durham, DL14 6XB
Job Description
Job responsibilities
* Use advanced clinical practice skills and clinical reasoning to provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment support for patients who present with complex musculoskeletal conditions and/or multiple pathologies.
* Request and progress referrals and investigations to facilitate the diagnosis and choice of treatment regime, interpret results and feedback to aid diagnoses and management plans.
* Carry own caseload as an autonomous practitioner, providing direct clinical/physiotherapeutic care for patients with complex MSK conditions and other co-morbidities.
* Decide when appropriate to use advanced clinical practice skills that may include joint/soft tissue injection therapy.
* Use professional judgement and advanced clinical reasoning to make decisions about safe and effective patient care in unpredictable situations.
* Ensure physiotherapy interventions are integrated and supportive of the whole treatment aims, promoting a holistic approach to condition management.
* Justify referrals to appropriate MSK pathways within the community or wider healthcare services, including to acute and specialist services as needed.
* Recognise red flags, serious pathology and potential non-MSK related disease, and refer appropriately.
* Work with patients to maximise participation in treatment programmes and tailor management to diverse backgrounds and cultures.
* Use shared decision making with a range of first line management options and assess levels of patient activation to support self-management.
* Provide expert advice and act as a source of expertise in MSK management; provide instruction and teaching to patients, relatives, carers and other health professionals.
* Be accountable for decisions via HCPC registration, maintain professional conduct, deliver care per NSF, NICE guidelines and evidence-based care, and participate in audit and governance.
* Collaborate with the primary care team across the PCN and other care providers to improve service delivery and meet local needs.
* Participate in training, supervision and mentoring of specialist clinicians and contribute to postgraduate level development for primary care professionals.
* Maintain a professional portfolio of advanced clinical practice knowledge and skills.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
* Experience applying the physiotherapy process to MSK assessment, interpretation, care planning, motivation, monitoring and evaluation of highly specialized MSK treatment
* Strong knowledge of Microsoft and GPIT systems
* Experience working with diverse stakeholders and within the MSK pathway
* Ability to integrate evidence-based practice into services
* Ability to analyse complex issues, balance priorities and make difficult clinical decisions
* Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills; understanding NHS principles and values; ability to influence and question information
* Flexible skill set to adapt to PCN needs and support public health
Desirable
* Working towards Advanced Clinical Practitioner status
* Experience in FCP and roadmap alignment
* Knowledge of cognitive behavioural and motivational interviewing skills
* Injection Therapy qualification
* Experience in primary care/GP surgery settings
* Experience working across organisational boundaries
* Independent thinker with good judgement and problem-solving skills
* Ability to motivate teams and negotiate across services
Other
Essential
* Minimum 5 years post graduate MSK experience
* Ability to coordinate and prioritise workloads, multi-task, be self-disciplined and motivated
* Flexible approach to ensure patient care
Desirable
* High personal credibility, emotional intelligence, patience and flexibility
* Ability to cope with unpredictable situations
* Confident in facilitating and challenging others
Qualifications
Essential
* BSc degree in Physiotherapy
* HCPC registration
* HEE FC Primary care roadmap training completed / working towards advanced level 7 Practice (ACP framework)
Desirable
* MSc in Physiotherapy
* Injection Therapy qualification
Disclosure and Barring Service
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a DBS disclosure check.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer details
Durham Dales Health Federation, Unit 51 Innovation House, Longfield Road, South Church Enterprise Park, Bishop Auckland, Durham, DL14 6XB. Website: ddhf.co.uk
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