First Contact Physiotherapist

Posting date:	02 April 2026
Salary:	£44,700.00 to £47,281.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£44700.00 - £47281.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	17 April 2026
Location:	Melton Mowbray, LE13 1NX
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	A3522-26-0001

Summary

You will be the primary clinical contact for (pre-triaged) patients presenting with MSK conditions or symptoms, providing the patient with the primary assessment, diagnosis and management options for their conditions. Provide high levels of clinical expertise across MSK, Rheumatology and Persistent Pain, and make decisions about the best course of action for patients' care (including in relation to undifferentiated conditions). This will involve seeing patients, who may or may not have had prior contact with their GP, to establish a diagnosis and management plan. Request investigations to facilitate diagnosis and choice of treatment regime, understanding the information limitations derived from these and the relative sensitivity and specificity of tests such as x-rays and blood test, and interpret and act on results to aid diagnosis and the management plans of patients. Deliver short interventions to support patient self-management, in ways that facilitate behavioural change, optimise individuals' physical activity, mobility, fulfilment of personal goals and independence, utilising other healthcare professionals as well as social and exercise prescribers to minimise the need for pharmacological interventions. Clinical responsibilities: Takes professional responsibility as a first contact physiotherapist, with high-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess and diagnose patients. Manages a complex caseload in both the face to face or virtual setting (including patients with long-term conditions, co- morbidities, psychosocial and mental health needs, and other multi-factorial needs) Accountable for decisions and actions via HCPC registration, supported by a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice Required to complete stage 1 (if not done so already) and 2 of HEE MSK RoadMap whilst in employment. Use professional judgement and advanced clinical reasoning skills to make decisions about safe and effective patient care in unpredictable situations, including when there is incomplete/contradictory information. To be able to work autonomously as a lone practitioner. Be able to demonstrate understanding of the impact of physiotherapeutic interventions on existing conditions and treatment programmes e.g. podiatric treatment, drug therapies, etc. Streamlines pathway of care by providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care Ensures care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention and utilities effective shared decision making with a range of first line management options (appropriate for the persons level of activation) Provides care which is tailored to the individual needs. This would include, appraising the impact of individuals' clinical status on their general health, well-being, employment status (including in relation to function, physical activity, mobility and independence Supports patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self- management with emphasis on health prevention and early intervention, including through the delivery of public health advice (e.g. relating to physical activity, weight management and smoking cessation) If service needs require, be trained to use a range of clinical skills which may include: a) Non-medical independent prescribing b) Joint / soft tissue injections Exercises professional judgement, making, justifying, and taking responsibility for decisions in unpredictable situations, including in the context of incomplete/contradictory information For patients that remain the responsibility of primary care services, take the lead for the management of the patients journey on their care pathway, acting as the link for the patient between primary care and other services/professionals. Be able to justify clinically referrals to other specialist services. This will include referral to acute and specialist services such as Surgical Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Neurology, other AHP services, nursing services and to the primary care medical teams. This requires advanced knowledge of the role of other specialist health professionals. An ability to recognise RED flags, serious pathology and potential underlying non MSK related disease, that may present as MSK symptoms and to refer appropriately with guidance of Duty GP / Advanced practitioner. When needed accelerate the patients referral to other health professionals/services. Provides learning opportunities for the whole multi professional team within primary care. Plan and organise the FCP service efficiently, ensuring delivery in-line with service expectations. Integrate the FCP role into the wider primary care team, proactively working with the primary care team to build robust relationships and integrate working practices. Work collaboratively with the primary care team, including working across the Primary Care Network (PCN) and also in partnership with business managers, professional managers and lead clinicians of secondary, community and other care providers to improve service delivery and meet the identified needs of the local patient population. Use influence and contribution to the PCN to promote the contribution of FCPs to MSK services in primary care and to the wider related services in the health economy. Work with the primary care team to support preventative strategies for local populations, patient groups and individuals. Participate in peer networking and support underpinned by active engagement in peer review and embracing evidence-based practice. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of wider health, healthcare and social care agencies related to MSK conditions and physiotherapy. Contribute to monitoring and review of service standards for MSK primary care services. Including established clinical, professional and service standards. Be aware of and able to demonstrate how the FCP role contributes to the achievement of key performance indicators KPIs for MSK primary care services. Identifying where own FCP role is supporting delivery of KPIs. Represent the FCP primary care service at internal primary care meetings and at external forums/service meetings including CCG and other strategic regional forums involved in the development of FCPs and/or MSK pathways. With Advance practitioner and locality Clinical Lead works to develop more effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services With support from the nominated Advance practitioner adopts and implements the use of outcome measures and patient experience to audit the clinical effectiveness of the FCP service to facilitate service development. Contribute to the use of healthcare technologies to optimise the integration of service delivery (across teams, sectors, and settings) and patients access and continuity of care Please see the attached job description for a full outline of the role