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First Contact Practitioner- Physiotherapy

North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (WHH)

Runcorn, WA7 2DA

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515

Contract

Permanent

Hours

Not specified

Closing date

5 September 2026

5 days left

Job description

Previous unsuccessful applicants at shortlisting and interview stage need not apply. North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Trust are recruiting for a 22.5 hou...

We are looking for highly motivated, confident, experienced MSK physiotherapist with a high level of clinical reasoning skills within the MSK field to join our friendly, supportive team.

They must have already completed Stage 1 and Stage 2 of Roadmap to Practice and gained the digital badge or be exempt from roadmap due to having a relevant Masters degree or member of the MACP.

Main duties

Provide high level assessment of patients with undiagnosed MSK conditions using advanced clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills.

Provide expert advice using patient centred approach and Shared decision-making skills to aid appropriate signposting of patients to services

Refer appropriately for diagnostic investigations and use advanced clinical reasoning skills in understanding the interventions required and the outcomes of them

  • Provide early supported self-care advice and advice on community services to aid patient outcomes
  • Be an active part of the MDT within the GP practice attending practice meetings, involved in education of GP practice colleagues.
  • Be an active part of the MSKCATS team involved in service audits, pathway developments and education of physiotherapy colleagues.

Role summary

The post holder will be an experienced MSK physiotherapist who works as an autonomous practitioner in Halton General Hospital, community bases and GP practices as required.

They will have completed both stages of thew FCP Roadmap.

They will use advanced clinical reasoning and highly developed diagnostic skills during the assessment of patients with undiagnosed MSK conditions to diagnose, advise and signpost patients to the most appropriate form of management, whether that be supported self-care, community programmes, therapy setting or secondary care. They must be able to recognise red flags and masquerades of MSK conditions and be able to appropriately manage the patient with these conditions.

The post holder will have the ability to request investigations to aid with clinical diagnosis and effective onward management of the patients condition.

The post holder will be responsible for developing the relationship between the GP practice staff and be an active member of the practice MDT offering advice, guidance, education and support as required.

The post holder is expected to supervise less experienced staff and students.

Full Job Description Attached

North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Trust is a caring and compassionate organisation that is both ambitious and innovative. We are committed to delivering the best outcomes for our patients and providing a positive experience of our staff. We aspire to be outstanding for our patients, our communities and our staff and are committed to being a great place to receive healthcare, work and learn.

Straddling the neighbouring boroughs of Warrington and Halton we are part of the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care system. Our hospitals are ideally situated to meet the growing healthcare needs of the 330,000 population of these boroughs.

Warrington Hospital is home to our emergency, critical care and maternity services, Halton Hospital is focused on elective procedures and the Runcorn Urgent Treatment Centre, although many services are offered at both sites and in community hubs.

A CQC-rated 'good' organisation with 'outstanding' features, we are working towards university hospital status, having achieved teaching hospital status in 2019.

We employ nearly 5,000 people from over 80 nationalities, striving to be a diverse, inclusive employer and recognised leader in equality. We support flexible working, welcoming flexible applications. Proud of our many accreditations, we are embedding an anti-racist approach in all we do.

Essential

Essential

  • Holds Degree or Degree Equivalent in Physiotherapy
  • HCPC registered
  • Previous work in MSK field of Physiotherapy
  • Previous experience in NHS
  • Advanced clinical knowledge and expertise in MSK
  • Post Graduate course in MSK

Essential

Essential

  • Evidence of an MSK portfolio
  • Knowledge of biopsychosocial model of assessment
  • Knowledge of audit and Quality Improvement Projects
  • Working knowledge of diagnostics in MSK field
  • Evidence of teaching and presenting skills
  • Evidence of supervision of other staff

Essential

Essential

  • Completion of Stage 1 and 2 of HEE Roadmap to Practice for FCP Physiotherapists
  • Basic knowledge of IT software- Word, Excel, MS Forms
  • Team Player
  • Ability to work alone
  • Able to drive and has access to own transport
  • Evidence of working in FCP role or Triage role previously

Desirable

Desirable

  • Previous experience working on EMIS or a Primary Care EPR system
  • Evidence of diagnostic interpretation courses completed
  • Injection Therapy
  • Non Medical Prescribing Course completed
  • Previous work in GP Practice
  • Advanced IT knowledge
  • Knowledge of community services inc voluntary sector
  • Motivational Interviewing techniques

Essential

Essential

  • Good communication skills
  • Professional Standards

How to apply

Applications are handled entirely by the employer on the original advert. We do not collect CVs, supporting statements or application data.

Provenance

Source

NHS Jobs

First seen

10 August 2026

Last checked

12 August 2026

Salary, closing date and description are taken from the employer's advert. The original advert always takes precedence.

About the employer

NCA
North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (WHH)

NHS organisation

This listing was structured from NHS Jobs. Vacancy details and the application process remain the responsibility of the original source.

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