Dr Dobson and Partners

First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP)

The closing date is 01 August 2025

Job summary

Join our progressive and patient-centred GP practice as a First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP), where youll be at the forefront of transforming MSK care in primary care.

Were looking for a skilled and motivated physiotherapist to lead early intervention, reduce GP appointments, and improve outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal and chronic conditions. This is a unique opportunity to work autonomously within a supportive multidisciplinary team, delivering high-quality assessment, treatment, and health promotion.

Youll enjoy a varied caseload, opportunities to develop advanced practice skills (e.g., joint injections, ultrasound, prescribing), and the chance to shape integrated care pathways at Clarence Medical Centre.

If youre passionate about improving access, empowering self-management, and making a real difference at the first point of contact, wed love to hear from you.

Grow your career in a dynamic and forward-thinking environment that values innovation, development, and excellent patient care.

Main duties of the job

As our First Contact Physiotherapist, youll be the first point of contact for patients presenting with musculoskeletal issues, providing expert assessment, diagnosis, and management without the need for a GP referral. Youll support patients with acute and long-term conditions, helping them manage pain, improve mobility, and return to normal activities, including work.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, youll triage effectively, promote self-management strategies, and contribute to reducing unnecessary GP and hospital appointments. You may also be involved in delivering joint injections, supporting lifestyle advice, using diagnostic tools (e.g. ultrasound), and referring to secondary care when needed.

This role offers both clinical autonomy and team collaboration, and is ideal for a motivated physiotherapist looking to develop advanced skills and have a meaningful impact in a primary care setting.

About us

We are the largest and one of the most successful GP practices in Rhyl, with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, patient-focused care. As a well-established practice, we serve a diverse population and pride ourselves on our inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking approach.

Our multidisciplinary team includes GPs, nurses, pharmacists, Mental Health Practtioner, and administrative staff who work collaboratively in a positive and professional atmosphere. We are passionate about continuous improvement and actively involved in clinical research, education, and training.

We support the development of all staff, offering regular clinical supervision, protected learning time, and opportunities for further training and academic development. Whether you're advancing your clinical skills or contributing to service innovation, youll find a workplace that values your growth and impact.

Join a team thats not only leading locally but also shaping the future of primary care through education, research, and excellence in practice.

Details

Date posted

11 July 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

A2667-25-0002

Job locations

Clarence Medical Centre

West Kinmel Street

Rhyl

Denbighshire

LL18 1DA


Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Title: First Contact Physiotherapist (General Practice) Band:Negotiable Accountable To: Practice Manager and Partners

Main Job Purpose

To provide high-quality physiotherapy assessment, treatment, and health promotion for patients in a general practice setting, including:

  • Community rehabilitation for long-term and acute conditions

  • Chronic disease management

  • Musculoskeletal (MSK) care and triage, including referral when needed

You will work both autonomously and collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to support early intervention, reduce unnecessary GP appointments, and help prevent avoidable hospital admissions.

You will contribute to the development of advanced practice capabilities, including (where appropriate) joint injections and use of diagnostic ultrasound, and support the development of patient pathways across Primary Care Networks (PCNs), promoting self-management strategies.

Key Areas of ResponsibilityClinical Duties
  • Be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own clinical practice.

  • Assess, diagnose, and manage a range of MSK, neurological, and chronic conditions using evidence-based practice.

  • Formulate and deliver individualised treatment plans using clinical reasoning and appropriate therapeutic techniques.

  • Act as an MSK First Contact Practitioner (FCP), offering expert triage and advice.

  • Provide lifestyle advice, pain management strategies, and return-to-work support (including issuing fit notes where trained and authorised).

  • Refer for imaging or to secondary care, in line with local guidelines and within scope of practice.

  • Perform joint injections (e.g., corticosteroid) for suitable patients, subject to appropriate training and governance.

  • Use ultrasound to support diagnosis or guide injections (if trained and competent).

  • Supervise and delegate appropriately to healthcare assistants and assistant practitioners.

  • Help educate and train trainees and clinical staff.

  • Communicate clearly and empathetically with patients, carers, and colleagues to ensure shared understanding of care plans.

Professional Responsibilities
  • Maintain continuous professional development (CPD), including post-registration training such as:

    • Injection therapy accreditation

    • Diagnostic ultrasound training

    • Non-medical prescribing (if appropriate)

  • Actively participate in in-service training, peer support, and MDT development.

  • Keep accurate, timely, and legally compliant clinical records using electronic systems.

  • Contribute to clinical governance, including audit, service improvement, and safeguarding.

  • Engage in regular supervision and the Practice/Trust Personal Development Review process.

Research & Development
  • Participate in clinical audits, QI projects, and service development.

  • Support evidence-based practice through literature review, data collection, and feedback.

  • Contribute to research or clinical trials as required, depending on experience and role.

Desirable Extended Skills (or Willingness to Train)

  • Administration of joint injections

  • Use of diagnostic ultrasound

  • Independent prescribing qualification

  • Experience as a First Contact Practitioner (FCP)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Title: First Contact Physiotherapist (General Practice) Band:Negotiable Accountable To: Practice Manager and Partners

Main Job Purpose

To provide high-quality physiotherapy assessment, treatment, and health promotion for patients in a general practice setting, including:

  • Community rehabilitation for long-term and acute conditions

  • Chronic disease management

  • Musculoskeletal (MSK) care and triage, including referral when needed

You will work both autonomously and collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to support early intervention, reduce unnecessary GP appointments, and help prevent avoidable hospital admissions.

You will contribute to the development of advanced practice capabilities, including (where appropriate) joint injections and use of diagnostic ultrasound, and support the development of patient pathways across Primary Care Networks (PCNs), promoting self-management strategies.

Key Areas of ResponsibilityClinical Duties
  • Be professionally and legally accountable for all aspects of own clinical practice.

  • Assess, diagnose, and manage a range of MSK, neurological, and chronic conditions using evidence-based practice.

  • Formulate and deliver individualised treatment plans using clinical reasoning and appropriate therapeutic techniques.

  • Act as an MSK First Contact Practitioner (FCP), offering expert triage and advice.

  • Provide lifestyle advice, pain management strategies, and return-to-work support (including issuing fit notes where trained and authorised).

  • Refer for imaging or to secondary care, in line with local guidelines and within scope of practice.

  • Perform joint injections (e.g., corticosteroid) for suitable patients, subject to appropriate training and governance.

  • Use ultrasound to support diagnosis or guide injections (if trained and competent).

  • Supervise and delegate appropriately to healthcare assistants and assistant practitioners.

  • Help educate and train trainees and clinical staff.

  • Communicate clearly and empathetically with patients, carers, and colleagues to ensure shared understanding of care plans.

Professional Responsibilities
  • Maintain continuous professional development (CPD), including post-registration training such as:

    • Injection therapy accreditation

    • Diagnostic ultrasound training

    • Non-medical prescribing (if appropriate)

  • Actively participate in in-service training, peer support, and MDT development.

  • Keep accurate, timely, and legally compliant clinical records using electronic systems.

  • Contribute to clinical governance, including audit, service improvement, and safeguarding.

  • Engage in regular supervision and the Practice/Trust Personal Development Review process.

Research & Development
  • Participate in clinical audits, QI projects, and service development.

  • Support evidence-based practice through literature review, data collection, and feedback.

  • Contribute to research or clinical trials as required, depending on experience and role.

Desirable Extended Skills (or Willingness to Train)

  • Administration of joint injections

  • Use of diagnostic ultrasound

  • Independent prescribing qualification

  • Experience as a First Contact Practitioner (FCP)

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy a 3- or 4-year undergraduate degree
  • Be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Desirable

  • Any relevant qualification or training

Experience

Essential

  • Significant post-registration experience in musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy
  • Autonomous clinical practice in assessing, diagnosing, and managing MSK conditions
  • Experience in using evidence-based approaches for treatment and rehabilitation
  • Commitment to ongoing CPD and reflective practice

Desirable

  • Experience delivering joint injections (e.g., corticosteroid injections)
  • Use of diagnostic ultrasound to support MSK assessment or guide interventions
  • Involvement in clinical audit, quality improvement, or service development projects
  • Contribution to teaching, mentoring or supervising students or junior staff
  • Participation in research or clinical trials
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy a 3- or 4-year undergraduate degree
  • Be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Desirable

  • Any relevant qualification or training

Experience

Essential

  • Significant post-registration experience in musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy
  • Autonomous clinical practice in assessing, diagnosing, and managing MSK conditions
  • Experience in using evidence-based approaches for treatment and rehabilitation
  • Commitment to ongoing CPD and reflective practice

Desirable

  • Experience delivering joint injections (e.g., corticosteroid injections)
  • Use of diagnostic ultrasound to support MSK assessment or guide interventions
  • Involvement in clinical audit, quality improvement, or service development projects
  • Contribution to teaching, mentoring or supervising students or junior staff
  • Participation in research or clinical trials

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

Dr Dobson and Partners

Address

Clarence Medical Centre

West Kinmel Street

Rhyl

Denbighshire

LL18 1DA


Employer's website

https://www.clarencemedicalrhyl.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Dr Dobson and Partners

Address

Clarence Medical Centre

West Kinmel Street

Rhyl

Denbighshire

LL18 1DA


Employer's website

https://www.clarencemedicalrhyl.co.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Practice Manager

Gwyn Owen Hughes

gwyn.hughes@wales.nhs.uk

07734363732

Details

Date posted

11 July 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

A2667-25-0002

Job locations

Clarence Medical Centre

West Kinmel Street

Rhyl

Denbighshire

LL18 1DA


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