Job summary
County
Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) is at the forefront of
implementing the NENC ICB Clinical Conditions Strategic Plan in collaboration
with the Regional Spinal Clinical Network. We are committed to delivering the
National Back Pain Pathway and GIRFT guidance, ensuring patients receive
timely, high-quality, and integrated care. Our service model includes digital
self-referral, advanced practitioner triage, a single point of access, and
innovative virtual MDTs linking with regional spinal providers. We are
expanding pathways that combine physical and psychological support, such as our
new Backs for the Future programme, and strengthening access to imaging,
diagnostics, and work-focused interventions. This is an exciting opportunity to
be part of a service redesign that will improve patient outcomes, reduce
unnecessary delays, and ensure care is delivered right-first-time.
Main duties of the job
In
this role, you will be at the heart of delivering high-quality spinal and MSK
care for patients across County Durham and Darlington. You will triage
referrals as an ESP, ensuring patients are seen quickly and appropriately, with
priority given to those at risk of falling out of work. Working through our
Single Point of Access, youll manage patient journeys seamlessly, linking into
virtual MDTs with spinal surgeons and regional specialists for complex cases.
Youll also request and interpret imaging where appropriate, fast-tracking
urgent presentations, and support innovative pathways such as our new Backs for
the Future programme, which combines exercise, education and behavioural
support. This is a chance to shape patient care, reduce delays, and make a real
difference within an integrated, forward-looking MSK service.
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)
Job description
Job responsibilities
This role offers the opportunity to play a key part in
transforming spinal and MSK services across County Durham. You will be
responsible for ensuring patients have timely access to the right care,
supporting delivery of the National Back Pain Pathway and GIRFT guidance within
the NENC ICB strategic framework.
Day-to-day, you will:
Triage
referrals as an ESP, assessing patients quickly and accurately to ensure
right-first-time care.
Prioritise
access for patients at risk of leaving employment, helping them remain in work
through early, targeted support.
Work
within our Single Point of Access (SPOA) model, managing patient flow across
localities and reducing unnecessary delays in care.
Collaborate
in virtual MDTs, working alongside spinal surgeons, pain specialists, and other
clinicians to manage complex cases, improve decision-making, and ensure
integrated care across services.
Request
and interpret imaging such as MRIs and X-rays, making appropriate use of
diagnostics and ensuring urgent presentations receive rapid investigation and
intervention.
Support
innovative pathways including our Backs for the Future programme, which
combines supervised exercise, education, and behavioural therapy to help
patients self-manage and recover more effectively.
Promote
consistent, high-quality practice across MSK and pain services, reducing
duplication, improving efficiency, and embedding senior clinical governance.
This role is ideal for an experienced clinician who wants to
shape the future of MSK and spinal care in our region. Youll be joining a
service that is forward-looking, integrated, and patient-focused, with strong
links to regional providers and clear opportunities to influence pathway
development.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This role offers the opportunity to play a key part in
transforming spinal and MSK services across County Durham. You will be
responsible for ensuring patients have timely access to the right care,
supporting delivery of the National Back Pain Pathway and GIRFT guidance within
the NENC ICB strategic framework.
Day-to-day, you will:
Triage
referrals as an ESP, assessing patients quickly and accurately to ensure
right-first-time care.
Prioritise
access for patients at risk of leaving employment, helping them remain in work
through early, targeted support.
Work
within our Single Point of Access (SPOA) model, managing patient flow across
localities and reducing unnecessary delays in care.
Collaborate
in virtual MDTs, working alongside spinal surgeons, pain specialists, and other
clinicians to manage complex cases, improve decision-making, and ensure
integrated care across services.
Request
and interpret imaging such as MRIs and X-rays, making appropriate use of
diagnostics and ensuring urgent presentations receive rapid investigation and
intervention.
Support
innovative pathways including our Backs for the Future programme, which
combines supervised exercise, education, and behavioural therapy to help
patients self-manage and recover more effectively.
Promote
consistent, high-quality practice across MSK and pain services, reducing
duplication, improving efficiency, and embedding senior clinical governance.
This role is ideal for an experienced clinician who wants to
shape the future of MSK and spinal care in our region. Youll be joining a
service that is forward-looking, integrated, and patient-focused, with strong
links to regional providers and clear opportunities to influence pathway
development.
Person Specification
Statutory Registration
Essential
Desirable
- Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
Special Requirements
Essential
- Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post
Special Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Up to date knowledge of professional practice
- Evidence of comprehensive and up to date range of highly specialised clinical skills
- 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 and work to 18 RTT.
- Evidence of critical appraisal in research and evidence based practice
- Ability to maintain high levels of concentration and analysis of presenting symptoms from patients
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
- IT skills
- Excellent presentation skills
Desirable
- Innovative approach to working life
- Able to use own initiative appropriately to enhance service delivery
- Evidence of strategic planning for MSK services
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc Physiotherapy /diploma
- Recognised relevant academic post qualification in relation to MSK conditions to masters level
- Continuing Professional Development Diary including evidence of reflective practice, training and clinical experience
- Injection therapy competent
- Significant experience at a senior level in MSK physiotherapy
Desirable
- An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing
Experience
Essential
- Comprehensive experience including core competencies within musculoskeletal, neurology pain management
- Evidence of being able to lead and improve clinical practice
Desirable
- Experience of Cognitive behavioural therapy and Bio psycho-social model of care
Person Specification
Statutory Registration
Essential
Desirable
- Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
Special Requirements
Essential
- Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post
Special Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Up to date knowledge of professional practice
- Evidence of comprehensive and up to date range of highly specialised clinical skills
- 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 and work to 18 RTT.
- Evidence of critical appraisal in research and evidence based practice
- Ability to maintain high levels of concentration and analysis of presenting symptoms from patients
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
- IT skills
- Excellent presentation skills
Desirable
- Innovative approach to working life
- Able to use own initiative appropriately to enhance service delivery
- Evidence of strategic planning for MSK services
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc Physiotherapy /diploma
- Recognised relevant academic post qualification in relation to MSK conditions to masters level
- Continuing Professional Development Diary including evidence of reflective practice, training and clinical experience
- Injection therapy competent
- Significant experience at a senior level in MSK physiotherapy
Desirable
- An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing
Experience
Essential
- Comprehensive experience including core competencies within musculoskeletal, neurology pain management
- Evidence of being able to lead and improve clinical practice
Desirable
- Experience of Cognitive behavioural therapy and Bio psycho-social model of care
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).
