First Contact Physiotherapist

Job summary

The Barnstaple Alliance Primary Care Network (PCN) are looking for an experienced and passionate First Contact Physiotherapist to join their team of 4 network practices.

This role will work closely with our existing Physiotheraprist and the wider PCN to deliver the best possible care to the PCN's Patients.

Non-medical prescriber qualification preferrable but not essential. We would welcome applicants who may be interested in a developmental role including a desire to gain their non-medical prescriber qualification.

Main duties of the job

You will be joining our current team (1 full time) of FCP .You will be using expert triage, assessment and diagnosis to determine which clinical pathway will be most suitable for the patient.

Together you will be the first point of contact, instead of a GP, for patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions who need clinical assessment, diagnosis and management. Clinical management would be evidence-based; through advice on self-management, exercise therapy, and pharmacological and injection therapy, or onward referral to secondary care. Patients would not have a course of physiotherapy treatment with the FCP postholder.

Non-medical prescribing qualifications, injection therapy and experience of primary care referral pathways are preferred, but not essential as support is offered to gain your prescribing qualification and injection therapy for the right person.

Benefits include NHS Pension, Salary based on Skills, Qualifications and Experience equivalent.

About us

The Barnstaple Alliance PCN is a proactive and supportive network of four General Practitioner surgeries: Brannam, Fremington, Litchdon and Queens Medical Centre. Between us we provide care to over 52,000 patients in the Barnstaple area.

Whilst retaining our independent surgeries, we are working together on collaborative projects to improve and develop the healthcare services we offer to patients. For an information chat about the role, please email Kate Graddock Practice Manager at Fremington Medical Centre on

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job title

MSK First Contact Physiotherapist

Location

Barnstaple Alliance PCN (BAPCN) Practices and other locations as agreed.

Who are

we?

The Barnstaple Alliance PCN (BAPCN) is a network of four General Practitioner surgeries: Brannam, Fremington, Litchdon and Queens Medical Centres. Between us we provide care to 52,000 patients in the Barnstaple area.

Whilst retaining our independent surgeries, we are working together on collaborative projects to improve and develop the healthcare services we offer to patients.

The BA PCN:

Puts the needs of patients at the heart of its activities

Shows clinical leadership in the local health community

Builds effective relationships within the communities served by the practices

Promotes equality and fairness for patients

Role Summary

1. Provide clinical expertise, acting as first-contact physiotherapist and making decisions about the best course of action for patients' care (including 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.

2. Progress and request investigations to facilitate diagnosis and choice of treatment pathway; using diagnostic services such as x-rays and blood test. Interpret and act on results to aid diagnosis and the management plans of patients.

3. Provide patient self-management advice, 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.

Main Duties and

Responsibilities

1. Take professional responsibility as a first-contact physiotherapist, with high-level decision-making and clinical-reasoning skills to assess, diagnose, triage and refer patients for onward treatment

2. Support GPs with management of complex caseloads (including patients with long-term conditions, co-morbidities and multi-factorial needs)

3. Contribute to development of service delivery,

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

5. Ensure care is proactive, preventive in focus and population based, with an emphasis on early intervention

6. Provide 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

7. Support patients to set their own goals and be confident in their approach to self-management

8. Communicate effectively and appropriately with patients and carers complex and sensitive information regarding diagnosis, pathology and prognosis.

9. Use a range of clinical skills which may include

a. non-medical independent prescribing

b. joint / soft tissue injections

c. joint aspirations

10. Provide learning opportunities for the whole multi professional team within primary care at network of Practice level

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

12. Manage 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

Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

All employees and volunteers working within BAPCN have a responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Initial and refresher training is available to enable you to understand and carry out your duties in relation to safeguarding.

Health and Safety

To take reasonable care to prevent injury to themselves or others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

To co-operate fully in discharging the BAPCN policies and procedures with regard to health and safety matters.

To immediately report to their manager any shortcomings in health and safety procedures and practice.

To report any accidents or dangerous incidents to their line manager and safety representative as early as possible.

To use protective clothing and equipment where provided.

Compliance Responsibilities and Confidentiality

BAPCN provides NHS care through 4 GP Practices whose activity is regulated and monitored by the Care Quality Commission; consequently the post holder is expected to work in compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2012 (Regulated Activities), the Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2014 and other relevant and subsequent legislation.

The post holder must maintain confidentiality of information about staff, patients, Practice and BAPCN business activities and are expected to respect the requirements under the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 and Access to Health Records Act (1990) and any new appropriate legislation that affects safe patient care within their sphere of working. The requirement for complete confidentiality extends after the employment has finished.

The post holder will comply with all Infection Prevention and Control policies and take the appropriate action fitting their role to actively prevent or reduce the incidence of healthcare associated infections.

Staff have a responsibility to reduce and recycle waste and save energy and water.

Undertake initial and refresher mandatory training to ensure compliance at all times

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties but is intended to give a general indication of the current range of work undertaken and will vary in detail in the light of changing demands and priorities within BAPCN.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Physiotherapy degree on Masters pathway to advanced practice HCPC registered Able to demonstrate experience in core physiotherapy and MSK physiotherapy May hold or be working towards a prescribing qualification

Desirable

Masters in physiotherapy/ MACP Leadership qualifications Post Graduate FCP Module

Experience

Essential

Evidence of continuing professional development in relevant clinical and management areas Evidence of the knowledge/skills and attributes required for stage 1 of the HEE Roadmap.

Desirable

Evidence of previous research Experience of working with Primary Care Non-Medical Prescriber Clinical supervision / mentoring qualification

Skills/Abilities

Essential

Advanced clinical reasoning and problem solving skills Ability to recognise own professional limits, and knowledge of when to seek help Commitment to supporting patients with behaviour change and self-management. Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise, self-manage and self-motivate Awareness and understanding of the MSK Competency Framework for First Contact Physiotherapists and HEE Roadmap for FCP/APs MSK Primary Care. Ability to create and maintain good working relationships and networks across the multidisciplinary team Able to respond to the demands of the service across 4 different GP practices Enthusiastic and innovative

Desirable

An understanding of funding streams to general practice Experienced in joint injections and aspiration

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