About this role
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced Knee Extended Scope Practitioner (ESP) Physiotherapist to join the Trauma & Orthopaedics service at Southmead Hospital on a fixed-term Band 7 basis.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced clinician with advanced expertise in the assessment, diagnosis and management of complex knee conditions. Working closely with Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeons, you will act as a first point of contact for patients within elective orthopaedic pathways, independently managing patients through assessment, investigation, treatment, referral for surgery and discharge as appropriate.
The successful candidate will demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning skills, detailed knowledge of diagnostic investigations and imaging, and the ability to manage complex clinical presentations autonomously within agreed governance frameworks. You will have expertise in differential diagnosis, conservative management, peri-operative optimisation and post-operative rehabilitation.
As a clinical lead within the service, you will support triage, coordinate patient pathways and contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives. You will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care.
The role offers close working with Consultant Knee Surgeons, participation in specialist MDTs, peer support from fellow ESPs and opportunities to contribute to audit, research and service improvement activities.
Main duties of the job
To work in an extended role beyond the usual physiotherapy scope of practice. This involves the clinical management of patients with complex knee conditions referred for a hospital outpatient opinion.
As an autonomous physiotherapy practitioner, to be responsible for the examination, assessment and further management of patients designated by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon within an outpatient setting.
Complex patient management includes listing patients for surgery, referring patients for further tests and investigations (e.g. blood tests, X-rays, MRI scans and other diagnostic imaging) and referring to other healthcare professionals as appropriate.
To liaise and work closely with Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons and other healthcare professionals, including referring General Practitioners, Specialty Leads and Divisional Leads.
To communicate effectively with patients and carers, explaining complex information relating to diagnosis, disease progression, prognosis, treatment options and management plans to support informed decision-making.
About us
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT) was formed in July 2026 through the merger of North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, creating one of the largest NHS organisations in the country, with around 28,000 staff providing services across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
At our Southmead Hospital site, we provide a wide range of regional and specialist services, including serving as the Major Trauma Centre for the South West and delivering nationally and internationally recognised specialist care.
Our ambition is to deliver outstanding, equitable and sustainable healthcare for our patients, while creating opportunities for our people to thrive and develop. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to being an inclusive employer that reflects the diverse communities we serve
Job description Job responsibilities
Full job description is attached which lists all the main duties of the role and working environment. You can also find the person specification within the Job Description
Person Specification
Essential Criteria Essential
Qualifications in JD
Desirable
Years of Experience
Skills Essential
Advanced specialist Skills
Desirable
Effective communication
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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 Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Address Southmead Hospital, Brunel Building
Bristol
BS10 5NB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)