About this role
Job summary
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) is leading the way in innovative musculoskeletal (MSK) care, delivering services aligned with Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Pathways and GIRFT guidance. Our model includes digital self-referral, advanced practitioner triage, a single point of access, and pathways that integrate physical and psychological support. We are expanding initiatives such as our Backs for the Future programme and enhancing access to imaging, diagnostics, and work-focused interventions.
We are now seeking an Extended Scope Physiotherapist (ESP) to join our team and lead the management of acute soft-tissue injuries. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to service redesign, improve patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary delays, and ensure care is delivered right-first-time. You will play a pivotal role in shaping pathways, streamlining access, and supporting high-quality, integrated MSK care across the Trust.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking a skilled Extended Scope Physiotherapist (ESP) to lead our soft-tissue injury pathway in South Durham and Darlington. In this role, you will assess, diagnose, and manage acute soft-tissue injuries, request and interpret imaging (e.g., MRI), and make timely referrals for urgent orthopaedic opinion when needed.
You will work autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure patients receive the right care first time, reducing unnecessary consultant appointments and improving patient flow. You will also contribute to clinical governance, pathway development, and consistent high-quality care across sites.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated physiotherapist with advanced MSK skills, excellent clinical judgment, and a passion for improving patient care and system efficiency.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
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Job description Job responsibilities
The Extended Scope Physiotherapist (ESP) will lead the assessment, management, and rehabilitation of patients presenting with acute soft-tissue injuries within A&E, Urgent Care, and associated MSK pathways. The role is designed to improve patient outcomes, streamline access to care, reduce unnecessary delays, and ensure patients are directed to the appropriate clinician first time. The postholder will operate at an advanced level of clinical practice, contributing to service redesign, pathway development, and governance.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Clinical Assessment and Management
Conduct advanced musculoskeletal assessments of acute soft-tissue injuries.
Formulate and implement patient-centered treatment and rehabilitation plans.
Deliver high-quality evidence-based physiotherapy interventions.
Monitor patient progress and adapt treatment plans as appropriate.
Provide self-management advice, including exercise, lifestyle, and psychological support as required.
2. Extended Scope Activities
Request and interpret appropriate imaging (e.g., X-ray, MRI) to support diagnosis and management.
Make timely referrals for urgent orthopaedic input when surgical intervention may be required.
Order additional investigations as clinically indicated in line with professional guidelines.
3. Pathway Leadership and Service Development
Support and contribute to the design, development, and implementation of new or improved MSK pathways.
Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated, efficient care delivery.
Promote right clinician first time principles, reducing unnecessary consultant appointments and improving patient flow.
Contribute to audit, service evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives.
Identify opportunities to optimise workforce skills and resource utilisation.
4. Governance, Safety, and Quality
Ensure all care is delivered safely, adhering to Trust policies, professional standards, and regulatory requirements.
Maintain accurate, contemporaneous patient records, including assessment, management, and outcomes.
Participate in clinical governance meetings, audits, and service improvement initiatives.
Provide mentorship and supervision to junior physiotherapists and other staff as required.
Contribute to risk management and ensure compliance with safeguarding, infection control, and health and safety standards.
5. Education and Professional Development
Maintain professional registration and participate in continuing professional development.
Deliver training and education to colleagues, patients, and carers where required.
Keep up to date with advances in musculoskeletal and physiotherapy practice.
Support the dissemination of best practice and evidence-based interventions across the service.
6. Communication and Collaboration
Establish effective communication with patients, carers, and multidisciplinary team members.
Provide clear explanations of diagnoses, treatment plans, and self-management strategies.
Act as a key liaison between physiotherapy, orthopaedics, A&E, and other relevant departments.
Facilitate coordinated care across sites to ensure equity and consistency of service delivery.
7. Performance and Impact
Deliver measurable improvements in patient access, waiting times, and pathway efficiency.
Reduce unnecessary secondary care appointments and optimise consultant capacity.
Contribute to Trust-wide targets for patient outcomes, flow, and productivity.
Support data collection, audit, and reporting to demonstrate impact and continuous improvement.
Person Specification:
Registered Physiotherapist with HCPC registration.
Extensive experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, with advanced clinical skills.
Competence in extended scope practice, including imaging, referral, and independent management of acute injuries.
Strong clinical decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team-working abilities.
Commitment to service improvement, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care.
Ability to work autonomously, manage complex caseloads, and prioritise effectively.
Key Benefits of the Role:
Opportunity to lead service redesign and influence pathway development.
Work at the top of your scope, utilising advanced clinical skills.
Direct impact on patient outcomes, safety, and experience.
Participation in a dynamic, innovative, and supportive MSK team.
Access to professional development and advanced training opportunities.
Impact of the Role:
By operating at an extended scope, the postholder will:
Reduce waiting times and improve access to the right care first time.
Divert the majority of soft-tissue injury patients away from unnecessary orthopaedic appointments.
Streamline referral pathways and improve patient flow across the Trust.
Ensure safe, high-quality, and consistent care across sites.
Optimise workforce skills and system efficiency.
Person Specification
Statutory Registration Essential
HCPC registered
Desirable
Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
Special Requirements Essential
Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post
Qualifications Essential
BSc Physiotherapy /diploma Recognised relevant academic post qualification in relation to MSK conditions to masters level Continuing Professional Development Diary including evidence of reflective practice, training and clinical experience Injection therapy competent Significant experience at a senior level in MSK physiotherapy
Desirable
An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing
Experience Essential
Comprehensive experience including core competencies within musculoskeletal, neurology pain management Evidence of being able to lead and improve clinical practice
Desirable
Experience of Cognitive behavioural therapy and Bio psycho-social model of care
Special Skills & Knowledge Essential
Up to date knowledge of professional practice Evidence of comprehensive and up to date range of highly specialised clinical skills An understanding of legal responsibilities within the profession Able to present information, written and orally in a clear and logical manner Ability to organise and prioritise and work to 18 RTT. Evidence of critical appraisal in research and evidence based practice Ability to maintain high levels of concentration and analysis of presenting symptoms from patients Excellent communication skills both written and verbal IT skills Excellent presentation skills
Desirable
Innovative approach to working life Able to use own initiative appropriately to enhance service delivery Evidence of strategic planning for MSK services
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 County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust
Hollyhurst Road
Darlington
County Durham
DL3 6HX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)