Trainee First Contact Physiotherapist


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£55,524 to £62,652 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Ealing, UB2 4XQ
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	2 Sept 2026
Closing date:	10 Sept 2026

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Summary

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES The First Contact Physiotherapist will work autonomously using highly specialist knowledge and skills to provide care within the musculoskeletal sphere. They will take professional responsibility as a first-contact physiotherapist (FCP), with high-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess, diagnose and triage of patients. The FCP is accountable for independent clinical management of patients with undiagnosed and undifferentiated conditions. In addition to this, the FCP is also responsible for appropriately referring patients to relevant specialities for any necessary inpatient or outpatient investigations. To manage a complex caseload (including patients with long-term musculoskeletal conditions, comorbidities and multi-factorial needs). To lead, manage and contribute to service delivery and the development of MSK care within the primary care network driving and innovating changes in practice for the benefit of patient care in line with current trust and local needs. To be accountable for decisions and actions via HCPC registration, supported by a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice. To streamline pathways of care by providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care. To be responsible for promoting clinical excellence in MSK care and provide clinical advice and support to other health care professionals. To ensure that care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention and self-management. To provide care which is tailored to the individual needs of the patient. 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). This may include providing professional and independent clinical care which enables the coordination of a multi professional seamless service for patients. To support patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management. To communicate effectively and appropriately with patients and carers complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology and prognosis. To use a range of clinical skills which may include: non-medical independent prescribing, joint / soft tissue injections, joint aspiration as the primary care network requires. To provide learning opportunities for the whole multi professional team within primary care. To work with the MDT to develop more effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services. To exercise professional judgement, justifying and taking responsibility for decisions in unpredictable situations, including in the context of incomplete/contradictory information. To manage interactions in complex or conflict situations, including with individuals with particular psychosocial and mental health needs and with colleagues across the primary care team, sectors and settings. You may need to visit patients in their own home to complete the MSK assessment.

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