The closing date is 20 May 2026
First Contact Physiotherapist
Kendal Primary Care Network is looking to recruit a second First Contact Physiotherapist to work within our three practices in Kendal.
We seek an enthusiastic, self‑motivated, and well‑organised professional to work alongside and support our multi‑disciplinary team within the Kendal Primary Care Network.
As a dedicated practitioner you will share our values and passion for delivering high‑quality, joined‑up clinical management of musculoskeletal conditions. You will autonomously assess, diagnose and treat patients with a range of conditions and be comfortable triaging and seeing patients without prior GP contact. You will manage caseloads, formulate rapid and accurate diagnoses and develop complementary management plans.
Responsibilities
* Work independently as an extended‑scope practitioner to assess, diagnose, triage and manage patients, including complex caseloads.
* Provide advanced assessment of musculoskeletal patients as the first point of contact, giving advice and referring to other services as appropriate.
* Arrange clinical investigations (X‑rays, pathology tests, etc.) to ensure accurate diagnosis and safe management.
* Plan, implement and evaluate interventions to ensure timely access to care.
* Collaborate with the multi‑disciplinary team to create stronger links for wider services through clinical leadership, teaching and evaluation.
* Develop integrated and tailored care programmes in partnership with patients, offering first‑line treatment options, self‑management, referral to rehabilitation services, and social prescribing.
* Utilise full scope of practice, including independent prescribing, injection therapy and investigation.
* Deliver patient‑self‑management programmes that facilitate behavioural change and optimise physical activity, mobility and independence.
* Provide leadership and support for MSK clinical and service development across the PCN, including learning opportunities for the whole multi‑disciplinary team.
* Maintain collaborative relationships across the PCN, supporting the integration of primary‑care pathways and the development of physiotherapy services.
* Liaise with secondary and community MSK services, using local social and community interventions as needed.
* Critically evaluate research and apply national and local guidelines and legislation to service provision.
* Lead the management of equipment and materials, ensuring safe and competent use.
* Mentor colleagues and contribute to the ongoing development of a physiotherapy service within the PCN.
* Implement effective clinical governance, including audit, evaluation, supervision and training.
* Maintain a professional portfolio for CPD, recording learning outcomes and demonstrating specialist skills and knowledge.
Qualifications
* BSc Degree in Physiotherapy
* Master’s level qualification or equivalent specialist knowledge, skills and experience
* Completed Level 7 models in MSK‑related areas (or willing to enrol on a training pathway)
* Minimum one year post‑qualification experience
* HCPC Registration
* Membership of CSP or appropriate professional body
* CPD in Primary Care and MSK management
Personal Qualities
* High integrity and loyalty
* Sensitivity and empathy in distressing situations
* Ability to work under pressure
Experience
* Experience in primary care and first‑contact roles
* Autonomous MSK role without day‑to‑day supervision
* Extended‑scope competencies (bloods, imaging, prescribing, injection therapy)
* Triage and care‑planning experience
* Expert clinical reasoning and multi‑disciplinary working
* Clinical leadership evidence
* Experience with computer‑based clinical systems (EMIS Web)
Skills & Knowledge
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
* Teamwork and autonomy
* IT proficiency (word processing, email, internet for plans and reports)
* Knowledge of audit and research
* Strong time‑management and prioritisation
* Promotion of best practice in musculoskeletal matters
* Confidentiality and discretion
* Problem‑solving and analytical skills
* Commitment to policy and procedure
Other Requirements
* Flexibility to work outside core office hours if required
* Willingness to meet any travel requirements of the post
* Clear vision of the role and commitment to working in Primary Care
* All applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria will be interviewed. Candidates not meeting the specification may be required to undertake specified training.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Morecambe Bay Primary Care Collaborative
Salary: Negotiable according to experience
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