Job summary
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced physiotherapist specialised in the management of Scoliosis who is ready to lead and develop an innovative new service at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH). The appointed Advanced Practice Physiotherapist (APP) willplay a pivotal role in the development and delivery of a newScoliosis Service Pilot. This exciting initiative aims to enhance early access to conservative treatment for patients withAdolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), reducing the need for surgery and improving long-term outcomes.
As an integral member of a specialist multidisciplinary team, you will work closely with consultants, orthotists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver expert assessment, triage, and evidence-based physiotherapy interventions. Your work will directly inform the widerLondon Paediatric Spinal Deformity Improvement Programme (LP-SIP).
Currently the role has secured funding until the end of March 2026. Further funding to be confirmed to extend service beyond this date.
Main duties of the job
Lead the triage and assessment of AIS referrals, identifying candidates for conservative management.
Deliver and oversee specialist physiotherapy interventions as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Independently manage a complex clinical caseload, including post-operative and conservatively managed scoliosis patients.
Request and interpret diagnostic imaging (X-rays, EOS, MRI, etc.) and blood tests to support clinical decision-making.
Support the development of new patient-centred care pathways and contribute to service evaluation and improvement.
Participate in consultant-led outpatient clinics and act as the first point of contact for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Promote and engage in clinical research and evidence-based practice within the scoliosis service.
Provide expert guidance and education to patients, families, and colleagues on spinal deformity management.
Ensure high standards of documentation, patient safety, and clinical governance.
About us
RNOH Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust (RNOH) is the largest orthopaedic hospital in the UK and a global leader in our field. We provide a dynamic working environment where we support frontline staff to implement improvements so that we can realise our vision of being a world leading neuro-musculoskeletal hospital providing the best patient care and staff experience in the NHS, delivering world leading research, and offering a strong foundation of education, training and career progression. Our dedicated staff come from diverse backgrounds, and our patients benefit from the wide range of experience they bring to the trust. RNOH brings unrivalled expertise together in one place allowing us to deliver some of the world's most complex and innovative care to our patients. RNOH is rated good by the CQC and covers two sites, one in central London and one in Stanmore - which has recently opened The Stanmore Building, a new, state-of-the-art inpatient facility. For more information, please access the following link:
Job description
Job responsibilities
What Were Looking For
HCPC-registered Physiotherapist with significant post-registration experience in specialist field.
Proven expertise in musculoskeletal/spinal physiotherapy, ideally with experience in paediatrics and scoliosis.
Advanced clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills, including experience with imaging and extended scope practice.
Strong leadership, communication, and multidisciplinary collaboration skills.
Passion for service development, innovation, and improving patient outcomes.
Job description
Job responsibilities
What Were Looking For
HCPC-registered Physiotherapist with significant post-registration experience in specialist field.
Proven expertise in musculoskeletal/spinal physiotherapy, ideally with experience in paediatrics and scoliosis.
Advanced clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills, including experience with imaging and extended scope practice.
Strong leadership, communication, and multidisciplinary collaboration skills.
Passion for service development, innovation, and improving patient outcomes.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or Diploma in relevant AHP discipline e.g. Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Orthotics, Prosthetics
- HCPC registration
- Undertaken a range of relevant postgraduate courses
Desirable
- Member of relevant professional body
- Masters degree or evidence of level 7 qualification
- Member of appropriate Special Interest Group
- Appropriate IRMER qualification
- Appropriate non-medical prescribing qualification
- Trained in using the Schroth method
Experience
Essential
- Significant post graduate clinical experience including having held senior position in relevant speciality
- Significant experience of relevant specialist pathway
- Extensive experience of working within and contributing to a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of working autonomously and unsupervised
Desirable
- Experience at an established senior level working with GPs or consultants in the management of musculoskeletal conditions
- Experience of service evaluation and improvement, audit and research
- Experience in supervision and teaching relevant to service
Skills & abilities
Essential
- Comprehensive and advanced level clinical assessment and treatment skills across MSK and orthopaedic presentations
- Able to diagnose complex MSK problems and formulate management plans
- The ability to identify and act upon adverse clinical signs
- Advanced clinical reasoning skills and the ability to discuss these in the management of highly complex cases
- Able to communicate at an advanced level including complex information to patients, carers, team and other health professionals
- Excellent time management skills with the ability to organise and prioritise
- Excellent ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Able to provide a high standard of clear, concise written and verbal reports in English
- Ability to self-direct learning, be critical and evaluate own learning needs
- Ability to work in a stressful and unpredictable environment and mange own stress
- Good level of IT Skills and computer literacy (to be tested during probationary period)
Desirable
- Good teaching and training skills
- Ability to undertake clinical audit and research
- Clear, strong presentation skills
Knowledge
Essential
- Extensive specialist knowledge of evidence based diagnosis and management of the relevant complex MSK disorders and pathways
- Robust understanding of clinical governance and its implications for this APP role
- Awareness and understanding of NHS structure, current issues and developments
Disposition and Attributes
Essential
- Excellent concentration and able to work for long periods, often with interruptions
- Self-motivated with a clear vision of the role and a commitment to the speciality
- Works in a flexible manner and adapts to changing environments
- Enthusiastic and motivated to share knowledge and training across the team
- Professional manner and appearance
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or Diploma in relevant AHP discipline e.g. Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Orthotics, Prosthetics
- HCPC registration
- Undertaken a range of relevant postgraduate courses
Desirable
- Member of relevant professional body
- Masters degree or evidence of level 7 qualification
- Member of appropriate Special Interest Group
- Appropriate IRMER qualification
- Appropriate non-medical prescribing qualification
- Trained in using the Schroth method
Experience
Essential
- Significant post graduate clinical experience including having held senior position in relevant speciality
- Significant experience of relevant specialist pathway
- Extensive experience of working within and contributing to a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of working autonomously and unsupervised
Desirable
- Experience at an established senior level working with GPs or consultants in the management of musculoskeletal conditions
- Experience of service evaluation and improvement, audit and research
- Experience in supervision and teaching relevant to service
Skills & abilities
Essential
- Comprehensive and advanced level clinical assessment and treatment skills across MSK and orthopaedic presentations
- Able to diagnose complex MSK problems and formulate management plans
- The ability to identify and act upon adverse clinical signs
- Advanced clinical reasoning skills and the ability to discuss these in the management of highly complex cases
- Able to communicate at an advanced level including complex information to patients, carers, team and other health professionals
- Excellent time management skills with the ability to organise and prioritise
- Excellent ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Able to provide a high standard of clear, concise written and verbal reports in English
- Ability to self-direct learning, be critical and evaluate own learning needs
- Ability to work in a stressful and unpredictable environment and mange own stress
- Good level of IT Skills and computer literacy (to be tested during probationary period)
Desirable
- Good teaching and training skills
- Ability to undertake clinical audit and research
- Clear, strong presentation skills
Knowledge
Essential
- Extensive specialist knowledge of evidence based diagnosis and management of the relevant complex MSK disorders and pathways
- Robust understanding of clinical governance and its implications for this APP role
- Awareness and understanding of NHS structure, current issues and developments
Disposition and Attributes
Essential
- Excellent concentration and able to work for long periods, often with interruptions
- Self-motivated with a clear vision of the role and a commitment to the speciality
- Works in a flexible manner and adapts to changing environments
- Enthusiastic and motivated to share knowledge and training across the team
- Professional manner and appearance
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
