First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP)

Job Overview Mayfield Medical Centre is seeking an experienced and motivated First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) to join our multidisciplinary primary care team on a permanent part-time basis. We are seeking an FCP to work 3 afternoon sessions per week across Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The role is contracted at 13.5 hours per week, with each session consisting of 4.5 hours. This is an exciting opportunity to support patients presenting with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions within a fast-paced and supportive GP practice environment. The successful candidate will work autonomously as a first point of contact practitioner, providing expert assessment, diagnosis, management, and onward referral where appropriate, without the need for prior GP assessment. The role plays a vital part in improving patient access to specialist MSK care, reducing GP workload, and ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with GPs, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, pharmacists, mental health practitioners, and wider multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care.

Working hours are

Wednesday

Afternoon session (4.5 hours)

Thursday

Afternoon session (4.5 hours)

Friday

Afternoon session (4.5 hours) Main duties of the job The First Contact Physiotherapist will act as the first point of contact for patients presenting with musculoskeletal conditions, undertaking advanced clinical assessment, diagnosis, and management of a wide range of MSK presentations.

Key responsibilities include

Assessing and managing patients with musculoskeletal conditions without prior GP assessment Formulating treatment plans and providing self-management advice Requesting and interpreting investigations within scope of practice where appropriate Identifying red flags, serious pathology, and safeguarding concerns requiring escalation Referring patients appropriately to secondary care, diagnostics, physiotherapy, orthopaedics, rheumatology, pain management, community services, and social prescribing pathways Working collaboratively with GPs, nurses, pharmacists, mental health practitioners, and wider multidisciplinary teams Supporting practice staff through education and informal clinical advice relating to MSK conditions Promoting prevention, healthy lifestyle approaches, and patient self-management Maintaining accurate and contemporaneous clinical records using the practice clinical system Participating in audit, clinical governance, service improvement, and continuing professional development activities The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills, strong clinical reasoning, and the ability to work autonomously within scope of practice.