PCN First Contact Physiotherapist - Morpeth - NHS

Description

Job Summary

A First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) is an experienced clinician who works within GP practices as the first point of contact for patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) issues.

We offer a supportive and collaborative working environment. You'll be part of a forward thinking team that values high quality patient care.

Have already completed the HEE FCP Roadmap to Practice with a complete portfolio of evidence and a completed sign off stage one and stage two by a nationally registered FCP supervisor, OR, have completed the FCP Taught route in this option the practitioner undertakes a level 7 masters level module(s) at an education provider, which is mapped to the knowledge, skills and attributes in a FCP Roadmap.

Then Stage 2 is completed as part of a level 7 module delivered in clinical practice.

Main duties of the job

Provide clinical expertise, acting as first-contact physiotherapist and making decisions about the best course of action for patients' care mainly in relation to undifferentiated conditions.

This will involve seeing patients, without prior contact with their GP, in order to establish a rapid and accurate diagnosis and management plan.

Progress and request investigations to facilitate diagnosis and choice of treatment regime, understanding the information limitations derived from these and the relative sensitivity and specificity of particular tests, diagnostic services such as x-rays and blood test, and interpret and act on results to aid diagnosis and the management plans of patients within the scope of the musculoskeletal scope of practice.

Deliver programmes of supported patient self-management, in ways that facilitate behavioural change, optimise individuals' physical activity, mobility, fulfilment of personal goals and independence, and that minimise the need for pharmacological interventions.

About Us

The post holder will be working as part of the Well Up North Primary Care Network (PCN), with a combined list of over 62000 patients and a group of 7 practices: Alnwick Medical Group, Belford Medical Group, Gas House Lane, Wooler Surgery, Greystoke Surgery, Union Brae and Well Close Medical Group.

Details

Date posted

24 October 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

A

Job locations

Gas House Lane Surgery

NHS Centre, The Mount

Morpeth

Northumberland

NE61 1JX

Well Close Medical Group

Well Close Square

Berwick-upon-tweed

TD15 1LL

Union Brae and Norham Practice

Union Brae

Berwick Upon Tweed

TD15 2HB

Wooler Health

Padgepool Place

Wooler

NE71 6BL

Belford Medical Practice

Croftfield

Belford

Northumberland

NE70 7ER

Alnwick Medical Group

Infirmary Close

Alnwick

Northumberland

NE66 2NL

Greystoke Surgery

NHS Centre, The Mount

Morpeth

NE61 1JX

Job Description

Job responsibilities

Takes professional responsibility as an autonomous first-contact physiotherapist, with high-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess, diagnose and triage patients.

Manages a complex caseload (including patients with long-term conditions, comorbidities and multi-factorial needs).
Contributes to service delivery.

Accountable for decisions and actions via HCPC registration, supported by a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice.

Streamlines pathway of care by providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care.
Ensures care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention.
Provides care which is tailored to the individual needs.

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).

Supports patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management, skilfully blending patient and clinicians agendas in consultations.

Communicates effectively and appropriately with patients and carers complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology, and prognosis.
Uses a range of clinical skills which may include joint and soft tissue injections.
Provides learning opportunities and education for the whole multi professional team within primary care.

Works with MDT colleagues, secondary care providers and the third sector to develop more effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services.

Exercises professional judgement, making, justifying and taking responsibility for decisions in unpredictable situations, including in the context of incomplete/contradictory information.

Manages interactions in complex situations, including with individuals with particular psychosocial and mental health needs and with colleagues across the primary care team, sectors and settings.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Takes professional responsibility as an autonomous first-contact physiotherapist, with high-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess, diagnose and triage patients.

Manages a complex caseload (including patients with long-term conditions, comorbidities and multi-factorial needs).
Contributes to service delivery.

Accountable for decisions and actions via HCPC registration, supported by a professional culture of peer networking/review and engagement in evidence-based practice.

Streamlines pathway of care by providing a responsive service so that patients receive timely access to care.
Ensures care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention.
Provides care which is tailored to the individual needs.

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).

Supports patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management, skilfully blending patient and clinicians agendas in consultations.

Communicates effectively and appropriately with patients and carers complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology, and prognosis.
Uses a range of clinical skills which may include joint and soft tissue injections.
Provides learning opportunities and education for the whole multi professional team within primary care.

Works with MDT colleagues, secondary care providers and the third sector to develop more effective and streamlined clinical pathways and services.

Exercises professional judgement, making, justifying and taking responsibility for decisions in unpredictable situations, including in the context of incomplete/contradictory information.

Manages interactions in complex situations, including with individuals with particular psychosocial and mental health needs and with colleagues across the primary care team, sectors and settings.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Hold a BSc (Hons) or MSc in Physiotherapy, and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, ideally also registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Able to demonstrate in practice portfolio experience in core physiotherapy and MSK Physiotherapy with an absolute minimum of three years post-graduate experience in the MSK setting, likely 5 years total.

Have already completed the HEE FCP Roadmap to Practice with a complete portfolio of evidence and a completed sign off stage one and stage two by a nationally registered FCP supervisor, OR, have completed the FCP Taught route in this option the practitioner undertakes a level 7 masters level module(s) at an education provider, which is mapped to the knowledge, skills and attributes in a FCP Roadmap.

Then Stage 2 is completed as part of a level 7 module delivered in clinical practice.

Desirable

It would be desirable that the successful candidate has completed an appropriate post-graduate qualification in therapeutic MSK joint and soft tissue injection with up-to-date skills via annual CPD.

Person Specification

Essential

Hold a BSc (Hons) or MSc in Physiotherapy, and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, ideally also registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Able to demonstrate in practice portfolio experience in core physiotherapy and MSK Physiotherapy with an absolute minimum of three years post-graduate experience in the MSK setting, likely 5 years total.

Have already completed the HEE FCP Roadmap to Practice with a complete portfolio of evidence and a completed sign off stage one and stage two by a nationally registered FCP supervisor, OR, have completed the FCP Taught route in this option the practitioner undertakes a level 7 masters level module(s) at an education provider, which is mapped to the knowledge, skills and attributes in a FCP Roadmap.

Then Stage 2 is completed as part of a level 7 module delivered in clinical practice.

Desirable

It would be desirable that the successful candidate has completed an appropriate post-graduate qualification in therapeutic MSK joint and soft tissue injection with up-to-date skills via annual CPD.

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

Well Up North

Address

Gas House Lane Surgery

NHS Centre, The Mount

Morpeth

Northumberland

NE61 1JX

Employer's website

(Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Well Up North

Address

Gas House Lane Surgery

NHS Centre, The Mount

Morpeth

Northumberland

NE61 1JX

Employer's website

(Opens in a new tab)

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