County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

First Contact Practitioner Physiotherapist

The closing date is 26 May 2025

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a full time advanced MSK band 7 First contact practitioner physiotherapist to join our friendly, supportive and successful CDIMS MSK team in County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest intergrated health care trusts in the country. The CDIMS service is a single point of access service for all MSK referrals for the region and continues to develop securing and expanding FCP contracts and rheumatology ESPs. CDIMS can provide you with many future career opportunities/ experiences within its large team.

This post is based with the Chester le street PCN and the post holder will work within GP practices in the region. MSK patients will be care navigated to the FCP caseload for MSK evidenced based assessment and treatments. You will be supported by an 8a FCP physiotherapist within Chester le street PCN , together with the MDTeam at the practices.

The post holder will have opportunities for clinical, service improvement and leadership development.

The post holder will work within the PCN team and have responsibility for the assessment and management of a caseload of patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work within the PCN team and have responsibility for the assessment and management of a caseload of patients with musculoskeletal disorders. The caseload will include patients with acute conditions, under 3 months history with potential comorbidities and multi-factorial needs.

CDIMS physiotherapy team has a strong supportive culture for personal and professional development, clinical/ pastoral supervision structure and leadership opportunities. We commit to our employees wellbeing though agile working, inservice training and CPD funding. Within our supervision structure the post holder will be supported by an 8a FCP physiotherapist for day to day clinical mentorship, monthly supervision and an appraisal framework.

The post holder will be supported by a team of FCPs from other regions with Co Durham, ESPs (Upper limb, Lower limb, Trauma, Rheumatology, Women's health and Spinal) within the MSK department together with the operational and governance leads.

There is opportunities to be involved with service evaluation, transformation, research, audit, pathway development and quality improvement projects within the role.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents

Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two years of experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months)

Details

Date posted

12 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,148 to £52,809 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

C9439-2425-1598

Job locations

Chester Le Street Community Hospital

Front Street

Chester Le Street

County Durham

DH3 3AT


Job description

Job responsibilities

As a advanced MSK autonomous FCP physiotherapist in CDIMS ( Co Durham Integrated Musculoskeletal service), you will be providing evidence based assessment, clinically reasoned treatment, advice and rehabilitation of patients with a wide range of acute MSK conditions. You will independently manage a caseload of patients from primary care care navigation. You will co-ordinate rehabilitation following a shared decision with your patients to suit their individual needs. Initial assessments are conducted on the telephone with scope for face to face urgent same day assessments as required or within a week.

The post holder will work as part of the FCP physiotherapy team within CDIMS, and will have access to specialist clinical advice from ESP staff. This includes upper limb, lower limb, trauma, hands, spinal, and rheumatology and women's health ESPs. You will also be supported by governance and operational leads.

The post holder will accept clinical responsibility of a designated caseload and organise effectively withregards to clinical priorities and use of time.

The post holder will have clinical support from an 8a FCP who has option to refer for imaging for patients on your caseload following discussion. The post holder will be expected to provide shadowing opportunities for students and staff as required. Full student supervision training can be provided via local universities for student mentoring if this is required, together with support on site until familiar with processes.

CDIMS has a robust intranet physiotherapy site which is constantly developing which provides guidance on all local MSK pathways, protocols and evidence based leaflets for your use as a resource.

The post holder can be considered for injection therapy as a development opportunity ( if not already qualified). Many CDIMS band 7 physiotherapists & FCPs have injection skills, and are available for case discussions. Appropriate patients can be booked in designated injection slots with the FCP 8a in your region.

The Post holders named FCP supervisor will support your personal development plan and the appraisal framework. CDDFT support protected supervision time which is led by the supervisee for your individual needs. Pastoral support is also provided within this structure or alternative arrangement can be made to suit personal circumstances.

Shadowing and training is available throughout the full service with consultants, A&E, plastics, FCPs in GP practices, ESPs in all specialities. This is arranged within your personal development plan. The department runs In-service training sessions together with access to learning on e -learning for health. External courses can be accessed by inclusion onto the annual training needs anaylsis by the department or for 2023/24 by a CPD personal budget.

CDIMS use SystmOne for clinical note keeping - training can be provided to suit individual needs. Test patients and guides are available for staff unfamiliar with this System within the induction program. CDDFT provide a full induction program which includes mandatory training together with a local physiotherapy induction tailored to your needs. Training will also be provided with all CDDFT ICT programs as required. The post holder will be provided with a laptop.

All physiotherapy staff have access to rehabmypatient program for individualised exercise prescriptions for patients, together with evidenced based leaflets on our intranet produced by the teams special interest groups. These can be accessed in paper form or electronic versions according to patients individual needs.

The post holder will have opportunities to develop leadership skills. We promotes all staff to be involved with quality improvement projects and promotes future career opportunities. New ideas are always welcome to promote efficiency and quality for our patients at CDDFT.

The department has a track record for staff wellbeing support following all local CDDFT guidance. The post holder will have access to a well-being hub which includes support telephone numbers and you can be invited to the North East NHS outdoor wellbeing group. The NENC ICS also provide a well being hub which all our staff have access to, which provides various proactive help and support solutions depending on needs.

In addition we can offer support to physiotherapists requiring a return to practice placement for HCPC re-registration through an honorary contract, can also indicate on your application if you wish to be considered for this process.

For any further information about the role please contact Claire Jacobs on claire.jacobs@nhs.net or 07717631822

Job description

Job responsibilities

As a advanced MSK autonomous FCP physiotherapist in CDIMS ( Co Durham Integrated Musculoskeletal service), you will be providing evidence based assessment, clinically reasoned treatment, advice and rehabilitation of patients with a wide range of acute MSK conditions. You will independently manage a caseload of patients from primary care care navigation. You will co-ordinate rehabilitation following a shared decision with your patients to suit their individual needs. Initial assessments are conducted on the telephone with scope for face to face urgent same day assessments as required or within a week.

The post holder will work as part of the FCP physiotherapy team within CDIMS, and will have access to specialist clinical advice from ESP staff. This includes upper limb, lower limb, trauma, hands, spinal, and rheumatology and women's health ESPs. You will also be supported by governance and operational leads.

The post holder will accept clinical responsibility of a designated caseload and organise effectively withregards to clinical priorities and use of time.

The post holder will have clinical support from an 8a FCP who has option to refer for imaging for patients on your caseload following discussion. The post holder will be expected to provide shadowing opportunities for students and staff as required. Full student supervision training can be provided via local universities for student mentoring if this is required, together with support on site until familiar with processes.

CDIMS has a robust intranet physiotherapy site which is constantly developing which provides guidance on all local MSK pathways, protocols and evidence based leaflets for your use as a resource.

The post holder can be considered for injection therapy as a development opportunity ( if not already qualified). Many CDIMS band 7 physiotherapists & FCPs have injection skills, and are available for case discussions. Appropriate patients can be booked in designated injection slots with the FCP 8a in your region.

The Post holders named FCP supervisor will support your personal development plan and the appraisal framework. CDDFT support protected supervision time which is led by the supervisee for your individual needs. Pastoral support is also provided within this structure or alternative arrangement can be made to suit personal circumstances.

Shadowing and training is available throughout the full service with consultants, A&E, plastics, FCPs in GP practices, ESPs in all specialities. This is arranged within your personal development plan. The department runs In-service training sessions together with access to learning on e -learning for health. External courses can be accessed by inclusion onto the annual training needs anaylsis by the department or for 2023/24 by a CPD personal budget.

CDIMS use SystmOne for clinical note keeping - training can be provided to suit individual needs. Test patients and guides are available for staff unfamiliar with this System within the induction program. CDDFT provide a full induction program which includes mandatory training together with a local physiotherapy induction tailored to your needs. Training will also be provided with all CDDFT ICT programs as required. The post holder will be provided with a laptop.

All physiotherapy staff have access to rehabmypatient program for individualised exercise prescriptions for patients, together with evidenced based leaflets on our intranet produced by the teams special interest groups. These can be accessed in paper form or electronic versions according to patients individual needs.

The post holder will have opportunities to develop leadership skills. We promotes all staff to be involved with quality improvement projects and promotes future career opportunities. New ideas are always welcome to promote efficiency and quality for our patients at CDDFT.

The department has a track record for staff wellbeing support following all local CDDFT guidance. The post holder will have access to a well-being hub which includes support telephone numbers and you can be invited to the North East NHS outdoor wellbeing group. The NENC ICS also provide a well being hub which all our staff have access to, which provides various proactive help and support solutions depending on needs.

In addition we can offer support to physiotherapists requiring a return to practice placement for HCPC re-registration through an honorary contract, can also indicate on your application if you wish to be considered for this process.

For any further information about the role please contact Claire Jacobs on claire.jacobs@nhs.net or 07717631822

Person Specification

Statutory Registration

Essential

  • HCPC registered

Desirable

  • CSP membership

Special Requirements

Essential

  • Able to travel independently to fulfil duties of this post

Desirable

  • FCP roadmap

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

  • Up to date knowledge of professional practice and new research in management of MSK
  • An understanding of legal responsibilities within the profession
  • Able to present information, written and orally in a clear and logical manner
  • Ability to organise and prioritise. Clear ability to manage waiting list pressures.
  • Ability to maintain high levels of concentration and analysis of presenting symptoms from patients
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
  • IT skills
  • Presentational skills

Desirable

  • Innovative approach to working life
  • Able to use own initiative appropriately to enhance service delivery
  • Knowledge, evidence and application of audit and research

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc Physiotherapy or equivalent
  • Continuing Professional Development Diary including evidence of reflective practice, post grad training to modular masters level and clinical experience

Desirable

  • Recognised relevant academic qualification in relation to MSK conditions
  • Injection therapy competent( MSc level training)
  • An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing
  • Appropriate post graduate MSK training to MSc (or equivalent) level

Experience

Essential

  • Significant experience OP physiotherapy in all MSK fields
  • Comprehensive experience including core competencies within musculoskeletal, neurology and pain management within the NHS setting
  • Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and positively implement change
  • Evidence of communication skills within a wide variety of settings

Desirable

  • Significant experience OP physiotherapy in all MSK fields
  • Comprehensive experience including core competencies within musculoskeletal, neurology and pain management within the NHS setting
  • Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and positively implement change
  • Evidence of communication skills within a wide variety of settings
Person Specification

Statutory Registration

Essential

  • HCPC registered

Desirable

  • CSP membership

Special Requirements

Essential

  • Able to travel independently to fulfil duties of this post

Desirable

  • FCP roadmap

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

  • Up to date knowledge of professional practice and new research in management of MSK
  • An understanding of legal responsibilities within the profession
  • Able to present information, written and orally in a clear and logical manner
  • Ability to organise and prioritise. Clear ability to manage waiting list pressures.
  • Ability to maintain high levels of concentration and analysis of presenting symptoms from patients
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
  • IT skills
  • Presentational skills

Desirable

  • Innovative approach to working life
  • Able to use own initiative appropriately to enhance service delivery
  • Knowledge, evidence and application of audit and research

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc Physiotherapy or equivalent
  • Continuing Professional Development Diary including evidence of reflective practice, post grad training to modular masters level and clinical experience

Desirable

  • Recognised relevant academic qualification in relation to MSK conditions
  • Injection therapy competent( MSc level training)
  • An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing
  • Appropriate post graduate MSK training to MSc (or equivalent) level

Experience

Essential

  • Significant experience OP physiotherapy in all MSK fields
  • Comprehensive experience including core competencies within musculoskeletal, neurology and pain management within the NHS setting
  • Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and positively implement change
  • Evidence of communication skills within a wide variety of settings

Desirable

  • Significant experience OP physiotherapy in all MSK fields
  • Comprehensive experience including core competencies within musculoskeletal, neurology and pain management within the NHS setting
  • Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and positively implement change
  • Evidence of communication skills within a wide variety of settings

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.

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Chester Le Street Community Hospital

Front Street

Chester Le Street

County Durham

DH3 3AT


Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Chester Le Street Community Hospital

Front Street

Chester Le Street

County Durham

DH3 3AT


Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Operational lead

Claire Jacobs

Claire.jacobs@nhs.net

07717631822

Details

Date posted

12 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,148 to £52,809 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

C9439-2425-1598

Job locations

Chester Le Street Community Hospital

Front Street

Chester Le Street

County Durham

DH3 3AT


Supporting documents

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