First Contact Physiotherapist / Advanced MSK Practitioner

Role overview

This opportunity is for a highly experienced physiotherapist to join a musculoskeletal service in a varied hybrid position spanning MSK and primary care. The post is suited to an advanced practitioner who can operate at a specialist level, assess complex presentations, and guide patients to the right clinical pathway without unnecessary delay.

The role is designed for someone who can work independently while contributing to service improvement, patient flow, and faster access to care. It combines expert clinical decision-making with a strong focus on person-centred support, self-management, and non-pharmacological care.

What you will do

You will work as a First Contact Practitioner, seeing people at the front line of primary care before GP review and using advanced clinical reasoning to assess, diagnose, and recommend the most appropriate management plan. The role involves handling undifferentiated presentations safely and efficiently, with the autonomy to decide the next step in care.

You will also request and interpret investigations such as imaging and blood tests where appropriate, using the results to support clinical decisions while staying mindful of the limitations of diagnostic tools. A key part of the job is helping people improve mobility, independence, and confidence through education, self-management advice, and evidence-based approaches that reduce reliance on medication.

Service environment

You will be part of a progressive and supportive team that is actively developing new ways of working across musculoskeletal and primary care services. The service values innovation, shared learning, and clinical leadership, and provides a setting where clinicians can help shape pathways and influence how care is delivered.

The organisation is a large NHS trust delivering physical and mental health services across a wide region, with a strong commitment to safe, effective, timely, equitable, and efficient care. It also works closely with service users, families, and carers to co-design future services.

Additional information

Flexible working requests will be considered for this post.

For an informal discussion or further details, you can contact:

• Shruti Joshi, Clinical Team Manager - MSK: shruti.joshi@merseycare.nhs.uk | 01744 857787
• Karen Ryder, Operational Services Manager - AHP's Knowsley & St' Helen's: 07425 703693
• Ruth Sephton, Consultant Physiotherapist - MSK St. Helen's: 01744 857787