Job overview
Band 7 Highly Specialist MSK therapist
Full-time
Main base : St Helier Hospital
The Trauma & Orthopaedic Department is looking for a full-time Highly Specialist MSK Therapist to support our Virtual Fracture Clinic. This role is predominantly based at St Helier Hospital, however the postholder will be expected to travel to Epsom Hospital to support any clinics set up at this location. Ideally you will currently be working at a band 6 level or above and have extensive MSK experience dealing with the management of orthopaedic conditions. This role forms part of a structure which includes the VFC APP lead, Band 6 physiotherapist, T & O consultants & registrars, Administration. You should be dynamic, flexible and a great team player. You will be an integral part of the MDT and will be expected to work autonomously with strong clinical decision making skills, in often challenging environments. You should be competent with virtual MSK consultations, but also be comfortable carrying an MSK caseload within a busy fracture clinic. You should have strong management and leadership skills in order to be able to deputise for the VFC Clinical Lead, when needed.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be a highly experienced Musculoskeletal (MSK) Therapist with experience within orthopaedics.
The post holder will support the Lead for the Virtual Fracture Clinic Service. You will ensure that the Trust offers a comprehensive and cohesive service for all Orthopaedic Trauma patients.
The post holder will autonomously undertake assessment and treatment of adults and children who present with an injury in the Virtual Fracture Clinic. This is to determine a clinical diagnosis, treatment plan and appropriate discharge within their professional boundaries, in line with training, skills and competencies.
The post holder will carry a caseload in fracture clinic providing specialist MSK care, working in at a specialist level. Working collaboratively and supervised by the lead consultants in that field. They will take a lead, with the support of the VFC clinical lead on the management of proximal humeral fractures, Achilles ruptures and soft tissue injuries.
Working for our organisation
St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George’s Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).
After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
·Ensure the orthopaedic trauma patients are treated appropriately in a timely manner.
·Supervise in the absence of the band 8A the band 6 MSK Therapist as part of their rotation from MSK department.
·Liaise closely with the Orthopaedic Consultant of the Week (CoW) discussing treatment plans for patients that have presented through ED and require Orthopaedic input. Manage the plan for these patients.
·Request bloods, x-rays, CT/MRI scanning of patient, with outcome and plan of care.
·Explain clearly the treatment plan with the patient for their condition. This may include advising patients of distressing news. Delegate to the junior nurse as necessary.
·Create and analyse reports for the VFC. Make service improvements where necessary.
·Input and update all patient data on database.
·Review waiting list numbers against waiting times. Manage improvements that can reduce unnecessary waits.
·Refer patients to other specialities.
·Support the VFC Clinical Lead to evaluate service regularly and implement service improvements.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential criteria
1. Significant experience in treating trauma and orthopaedic patients in an acute setting
2. Experience in the ordering and interpretation of diagnostic images
3. Experience of independently discharging minor illnesses and injuries
4. Experience with evidence of leadership and operational management of a team of healthcare professionals.
5. Experience of running clinics
6. Experience in the ordering and interpretation of diagnostic images
7. Working knowledge of a wide range of approaches to the management of fractures and acute soft tissue injuries demonstrated by advanced clinical reasoning.
8. Involvement in carrying out clinical audit including co-ordination, evaluation and the use of findings to make service developments
Desirable criteria
9. Experience of assessment of competency of other members of staff.
10. Experience of working in a VFC environment
11. Budgetary experience
Qualifications
Essential criteria
12. Registration Health and Care Professions Council or Advanced Clinical Practitioner
13. Evidence of Post-registration training in Trauma &Orthopaedics/ CPD and reflective practice.
14. Immediate Life Support (ILS).
15. IRMER Qualification
Desirable criteria
16. Master’s degree in Advance Practice or working towards
17. Advance Life Support (ALS) or working towards
18. Minor injuries course
Skills
Essential criteria
19. Diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions
20. Evidence of extended nursing or advanced practitioner skills
21. Ability to demonstrate skills in negotiation and conflict management
22. Able to demonstrate well developed problem solving skills to enhance clinical decision -making and expert nursing assessment
23. Ability to analyse performance and statistical information
24. Ability to maintain judgement, work and make decisions under pressure
25. Ability to challenge peers and other members of the multi -disciplinary teams practice to the benefit of patients and carer
Desirable criteria
26. Experience of gathering and analysing detailed information
Your recruitment team
The NHS South West London Recruitment Hub is your dedicated recruitment team, here to support you at every stage of the process. If you have a query, please contact us:
E:
Your application
Please ensure your supporting statement clearly reflects the job description and person specification, as shortlisting will be based on these criteria.
Please refer to the latest UKVI guidance and ensure you have the appropriate right to work before applying for this role.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to draft your application. We value authentic, individual responses that reflect your own experience and communication style.
References
Please provide a minimum of 3 years’ employment and/or education history, including professional email addresses (not personal accounts such as Hotmail or Gmail). If you cannot provide these, please inform the interview panel to avoid delays in pre-employment checks.
Closing date
To help us manage recruitment efficiently, some vacancies may close early once we have received a sufficient number of applications.
Shortlisting
If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be contacted by email or SMS from the South West London Recruitment Hub. Please check your registered TRAC email regularly.
Application feedback
If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Safeguarding and DBS Checks
We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. For roles with direct access to these groups, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. All staff are expected to understand and uphold their safeguarding responsibilities as part of their role.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Application numbers
This vacancy may have an application cap, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment. Ensure your supporting statement clearly shows how you meet the job specifications.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
NameJulia CattermoleJob titleT & O Service ManagerEmail addressj.Telephone number07876 391132Additional information
For further information please contact:
Hannah Mills VFC Lead- h.
or
Julia Cattermole - T & O Service Manager - j.