Job summary
We are excited to invite applications from experienced MSK physiotherapists who are seeking to deliver the highest level of clinical care from a general practice setting. The First Contact Practitioner (FCP) model has been designed to support musculoskeletal clinicians in primary care as well as provide a resilient framework for the future of FCP delivery.
Please note this post is PART TIME - 26.5 hours per week.
Candidates will be required to present original certificates for qualifications at interview stage and during the onboarding process.
Please note this vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of suitable applications are received.
Recent unsuccessful applicants need not reapply.
Main duties
The role will be based predominantly in Primary Care, within the established FCP team within a PCN. You will be the first point of contact for patients with undiagnosed MSK disorders and will need highly developed differential diagnostic skills to ensure patients are managed safely, efficiently, and effectively.
You will direct the care pathway for your patients autonomously, including assessment and diagnostics, provision of diagnosis, appropriate self-care advice or onward referral as indicated.
You should understand indications for, and limitations of, relevant MSK investigations, and will be confident in explaining their use and implications to patients. You should have or be currently undertaking Level 7 learning within MSK.
This role is designed to establish MSK expertise in Primary Care, and as such you will work closely in practices to build excellent working relationships with the PCN team members. You will bring expert MSK knowledge to your PCN, and as such will be a resource to the wider team. You will work closely with your Band 8a FCP to provide support and training within the PCN and wider FCP team. You will need to have clear evidence of team working and will be expected to support the Band 8a FCP in effective service delivery, audit and improvement. Although the role will be primarily Primary Care based, you will also be a key resource for the wider MSK and Physiotherapy team.
Job responsibilities
* Provide musculoskeletal assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of patients presenting to the GP practice as a first point of contact.
* To act as a source of expertise on the management of complex and general musculoskeletal patients providing an advisory service to patients, relatives, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals and medical staff.
* To take a major role in the advanced assessment and treatment of patients within the speciality who may have complex and/or chronic presentation, and to determine clinical diagnosis and physiotherapy treatment indicated.
* To maintain records as an autonomous practitioner.
* To undertake a leadership role in the planning, co-ordinating, delivering and evaluation of the FCP service provided to the patients within the PCN on a day to day basis.
* To educate and train other health professionals, medical staff and students in the management of musculoskeletal conditions.
* To determine clinical diagnosis and treatment indicated for patients who would normally be seen by a GP.
About us
Choose Well - Choose WWL
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that 'happy staff, makes for happy patients'. We have a recognised track record in staff engagement, and living our values 'the WWL Way'.
WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. With this in mind we are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.
Details
Date posted: 05 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year Per Annum Pro Rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: 302-25-7288090SS-A
Job locations: Wigan Borough PCNs, Wigan Borough, Wigan, WN1 1XX
Disclosures
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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name: Wrightington Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Wigan Borough PCNs, Wigan Borough, Wigan, WN1 1XX
Employer's website: wwL.nhs.uk
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