Job overview
This is a unique job opportunity for an enthusiastic Band 6 Physiotherapist with experience and interest in Orthopaedics and General Medicine. The applicant will split their time across both in-patient specialities and should have previous experience of working on the Orthopaedic wards and managing patients presenting with complex medical conditions on the Medical wards. The motivated candidate would be fully supported by both teams at St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester.
The post will involve working closely with therapy, nursing and medical colleagues to provide a high standard of physiotherapy assessment and treatment for patients. Both services are integrated teams of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, providing assessment, intervention and discharge planning across several medical wards and for patients admitted under trauma and elective orthopaedics.
This would be a static post across the Orthopaedic and Medical Therapy Teams. The medical wards we cover span many specialities including elderly medicine, frailty, gastroenterology, endocrinology and amputees; within Orthopaedics we cover both trauma and elective orthopaedics.
There is an expectation for out of hours working including weekend and twilight services as necessary. They are currently Mon-Fri services with self-rostered out-of-hours shifts but with a plan for 7-day working in the near future.
Informal visits are encouraged.
Face to face interviews mandated - practical assessment required
Main duties of the job
We are looking for an innovative and creative Physiotherapist who is passionate about Orthopaedic and Medical Physiotherapy.
Both therapy teams are supportive and highly experienced. As a Band 6 you will have the opportunity to have joint clinical and non-clinical supervision on a regular basis.
Within the role you will:
·provide advanced assessment and treatment for a range of highly complex patients
·Work alongside the wider MDT in the discharge planning of complex medical and orthopaedic patients.
·Work with a strong cohort of peer band 6's and supported by skilled and experienced support workers
·Supervise, teach and appraise Band 5 physiotherapists, physiotherapy associate practitioners and technicians, students.
·Support the team leads with operational management.
·Participate in CPD, IST, audit, evidence-based projects and service development projects which may include making recommendations for change in practice.
·Remain competent for respiratory on-call and to work as part of the respiratory on-call rota.
·Remain competent to work as part of the orthopaedic weekend rota
We are a research active department and are driven to providing an evidence-based approach for our patients. We have strong links to the Trust’s Research and Innovation Committee and local HEIs. We are continuing to develop and support local clinical research activity and provide support for those interested in developing clinical academic careers.
Chichester is a beautiful historic city situated adjacent to the South Downs National Park, the sea and with excellent transport links to London and across Southern England. You will be joining a strong and supportive Physiotherapy team within the top performing University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. We look forward to welcoming you on an informal visit or discussing any aspect of this exciting opportunity further.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. To provide advanced assessment and treatment for a range of highly complex patients within the orthopaedic patient services.
2. To supervise, teach and appraise recently qualified physiotherapists, technicians, assistants, students and other members of the multi-disciplinary team.
3. To support the team lead with operational management.
4. To participate in CPD, IST, audit and evidence based projects which may include making recommendations for change in practice.
5. To participate in the development, planning and evaluation of Orthopaedic services across the Trust.
6. To participate in implementation of policy and changes in own clinical area, and to set and monitor standards of practice.
7. To participate in the out of hours Orthopaedic services.
8. To participate in respiratory on call and weekend service
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
Person specification
Qualification/ Experience
Essential criteria
9. Evidence of Physiotherapy Degree (BSc or MSc equivalent).
10. Documented evidence of self-development and relevant CPD
Desirable criteria
11. Member of CSP / Interest group
12. Evidence of relevant Orthopaedic post-graduate education such as post-grad Diploma / MSC modules
Skills
Essential criteria
13. Evidence of having completed at least one Band 5 rotation in both in-patient trauma and elective orthopaedics, including short stay / day surgery. This should include experience in the Enhanced Recovery Programme for elective surgery, and Hip Fracture Pathways
14. Effective communication within MDT
15. Proven clinical skills in in-patient trauma and elective orthopaedics
16. Ability to manage a busy and complex ward-based caseload and complete clinical and non-clinical duties.
17. Experience of appraising and supervising less experienced staff
18. Actively working in an orthopaedic weekend service
19. Respiratory on-call competent, including weekends and overnight
Desirable criteria
20. Previous Band 6 experience in in-patient trauma and elective orthopaedics.
21. Student supervision
22. Previous experience in service development projects.
23. Evidence of teaching / presenting relevant orthopaedic topics
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
24. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
25. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications