Overview
We are looking for an experienced physiotherapist to join our Rheumatology and MSK teams. The role is split 50:50 between rheumatology and MSK and is a fixed-term post of one year, with a significant likelihood that the post will become substantive. The role involves a 4-day outpatient pattern and weekend working on the trauma and orthopaedic wards as part of contracted hours; one weekend day, alternating Saturday and Sunday every four weeks.
Responsibilities
Rheumatology:
* Manage patients with long-term conditions, providing therapeutic care and education on specific conditions.
* Offer self-management strategies for inflammatory conditions such as Spondyloarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, osteoporosis, connective tissue disorders, and long-term musculoskeletal problems such as hypermobility syndrome.
* Assess newly diagnosed patients, run education and exercise groups, participate in Axial Spondyloarthritis yearly review clinics, and manage patients within hydrotherapy.
MSK:
* Assess and treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions referred from GP, A&E, musculoskeletal interface services, and post-operative pathways.
* Mentor Band 5 roles and below, facilitate student supervision, and participate in IST delivery.
* Work predominantly at Southmead Hospital with potential to work off site at Cossham Hospital (North Bristol Trust community site).
Other details
* Join a multidisciplinary team including consultants, specialist nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists and physiotherapy rehabilitation technicians to provide high standards of care for rheumatology outpatients and hydrotherapy.
* Patients may access 1:1 physiotherapy, education classes (e.g., Escape Pain, Back Pain management), gym therapy, and hydrotherapy in the on-site pool.
* Opportunity to mentor team members in Band 5 roles, physiotherapy technicians, and supervise students; participate in IST delivery.
Requirements
Education/Training/Qualifications (Essential)
* Degree/Diploma in physiotherapy
* HCPC registered physiotherapist
* Evidence of regular CPD
Work Experience (Essential)
* Wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy experience, including some postgraduate MSK outpatient experience
* Experience in mentoring
* Experience of working as part of an NHS physiotherapy team
* Experience in organising and managing own workload and delegating responsibilities
* Experience of performing physiotherapeutic examination and assessment of MSK patients
* Experience in developing and delivering individualized treatment programs for complex patients
* Experience maintaining competency through CPD and portfolio development
Desirable
* Experience of working with rheumatological and/or long-term conditions
* Experience supervising junior staff, support staff and students
* Experience participating in service development and audits
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (Essential)
* Confident in using IT systems
* Knowledge of MSK conditions
Desirable
* Experience training staff
* Knowledge of rheumatology, inflammatory and chronic pain conditions
About us
The successful post holder will be part of a dynamic, experienced team providing high standards of clinical care to musculoskeletal and rheumatology outpatients and hydrotherapy. Our team comprises registered clinicians and support staff in a large acute trust with specialties including MSK, Hydrotherapy, Rheumatology, Women’s Health, Neurology and Paediatrics.
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff serving Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from Southmead. We are a regional Major Trauma Centre and an internationally recognized centre of excellence. Our vision is to enable our teams to be the best they can be and to deliver exceptional healthcare.
We are committed to treating each patient with respect and dignity, delivering excellent clinical outcomes and a first-class experience. We value diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills and welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
Details
Date posted: 10 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £38,682 to £46,580 per annum, pro rata
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 339-CCS5219-TJC
Job locations: North Bristol NHS Trust Site – exact location to be confirmed; Southmead Road, Bristol, BS10 5NB
Employer details
Employer: North Bristol NHS Trust
Address: North Bristol Trust Site – exact location to be confirmed, Southmead Road, Bristol BS10 5NB
Website: https://www.nbt.nhs.uk
#J-18808-Ljbffr