Senior Physiotherapist

Job Advert : Band 7 & 8 Specialist MSK Physiotherapists

Location : Ormskirk Hospital / Joint Health Service – L39 2AZ

Employer : Mersey & West Lancashire NHS Trust

Department : Integrated Musculoskeletal (MSK) Service

Salary : Band 7 / 8 - £23.60 - £27.49

Hours : Full-Time

Closing Date : [Insert Closing Date]

Role Overview

The post-holder will manage a complex MSK caseload through advanced triage, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Working autonomously within agreed clinical guidelines, you will assess self-referrals and GP referrals, request investigations, and coordinate multidisciplinary management. As a senior member of the team, you will also contribute to service delivery, development, clinical leadership, and education.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

Triage MSK self-referrals and GP referrals using advanced clinical reasoning to direct patients to the most appropriate care pathway.

Perform comprehensive, autonomous MSK assessments including taking detailed histories, performing physical examinations, and interpreting complex clinical findings.

Request, review, and interpret diagnostic investigations including X-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds, and blood tests, adhering to local protocols.

Formulate and deliver specialist treatment plans including :

Manual therapy techniques

Progressive rehabilitation programs

Exercise prescription

Education and self-management advice

Refer to secondary care services (e.g., orthopaedics, rheumatology, neurosurgery) as clinically appropriate, including writing comprehensive referral reports.

Use outcome measures to evaluate and modify care plans based on progress and evolving clinical presentation.

Advanced Practice (Band 8a)

Perform joint injections (if trained and within scope).

Act as an Independent Prescriber (V300) or demonstrate willingness and ability to obtain qualification.

Lead on complex case discussions and clinical pathway development.

Support interface clinics and contribute to pathway integration with orthopaedic consultants and GPs.

Leadership & Professional Development

Provide supervision, mentoring, and clinical teaching for junior physiotherapists, support staff, and students.

Support induction and ongoing training for new team members.

Contribute to departmental in-service training and CPD planning.

Actively participate in clinical governance, audit, and service evaluation.

Develop and implement quality improvement projects aligned with local and national priorities.

Attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary team meetings and clinical case reviews.

Administrative & Record Keeping

Maintain accurate, high-quality clinical documentation and timely input into electronic patient records.

Ensure all patient information is handled securely in line with GDPR and Trust policies.

Contribute to audit and data collection to support performance monitoring and service reporting.

Essential Skills & Experience

For Both Bands

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (or equivalent)

HCPC registration as a Physiotherapist

Substantial post-registration clinical experience, with a strong background in MSK physiotherapy

Proven ability to work independently and manage a complex caseload

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with patients, carers, GPs, and multidisciplinary colleagues

Demonstrated clinical reasoning and decision-making skills

Experience supervising students or less experienced staff

Proficient in using outcome measures and evidence-based practice

Experience using electronic patient record systems

NHS Experience

Band 8a – In Addition

Master’s level qualification or equivalent experience in Advanced MSK Practice

Independent Prescriber qualification (V300) or working towards it

Competence in MSK joint injection therapy

Proven leadership experience within a clinical team

Experience in service development, change management, or pathway redesign

Evidence of delivering education or formal teaching sessions

Strong portfolio of audit, research, or service improvement work

Why Join Us?

Work in a forward-thinking, multi-disciplinary MSK service

Support for further education and development including injection therapy and prescribing qualifications

Opportunities to participate in service transformation and pathway development

Protected time for supervision, audit, teaching, and training

A supportive and collaborative team culture committed to delivering excellent care

Access to advanced diagnostic tools and links with secondary and community services

Additional Information

This post may require occasional travel across the Trust footprint.

Enhanced DBS clearance will be required.

Flexibility may be required to support cover during staff absences (e.g., annual leave, sickness).

Previous NHS experience is key

Apply Today

Join a passionate and expert-led team making a real difference in MSK care.

Apply now via NHS Jobs or contact us for an informal discussion :

Job Type : Full-time

Schedule :

• Monday to Friday

Work Location : In person