Specialist Physiotherapist MSK Assessment and Triage Service (MATS)

This is an opportunity for an experienced Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapist to progress their career into a Specialist role working within a MSK Assessment and Triage Service.

Patients are referred into this service by other health professionals for assessment and treatment of MSK Orthopaedic conditions. This may include ordering and evaluating the results of diagnostic imaging, identifying patients for injection therapy, and referral to secondary care services including trauma and orthopaedics, rheumatology and pain management services.

To provide a high standard of physiotherapy in the highly specialist area of musculoskeletal outpatients which may also include Chronic Pain and Rheumatology in the physiotherapy outpatient departments within NCH&C.

To assist the Enhanced Scope Practitioners for the MSK Assessment and Triage Service in the running of the Service.

MSK Assessment and Triage Service provides care to patients from Norwich and South Norfolk.

There are strong links with other NCHC MSK services including MSK First Contact Practitioners, Biomechanics (foot and ankle specialists), MSK Physiotherapy, ESCAPE classes, Continence and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy, and Hand Therapy.

The MSK services all work via a combination of face to face and remote consultations, with MSK Triage currently working from clinics in Norwich, Long Stratton, Dereham, Diss, Thetford and Wymondham. Clinicians may be asked to work across multiple sites.

As a whole, MSK Services promotes continuous professional development and regular supervision in a variety of formats as we recognise the clinical and personal importance of this.

Apply now to join an organisation that has been awarded an 'Outstanding' rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the highest possible rating and the first stand-alone NHS community trust in the country to be awarded the title.

1. To have an active role in the assessment of a wide range of musculo-skeletal, chronic pain and rheumatological conditions based on advanced theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, neuro-anatomy and pathology, often in situations where conflicting evidence and/or complex bio-psychosocial issues are present. To apply advanced clinical reasoning skills to assess and form a diagnosis and ensure progress through the appropriate care pathway.

2. To recognise the most appropriate pathway for patients such as when referral to specialist Orthopaedic, Rheumatology or Pain Management is fully appropriate. To use theoretical and practical knowledge to make recommendations for further management of the condition and assist the patient as far as possible in the referral process. This requires knowledge and understanding of the role of other health professionals, (e.g. psychology, occupational therapy, pharmacy, orthopaedics, rheumatology, pain clinic, general practitioner).

3. To communicate some highly complex patient related information effectively to ensure collaborative working within the MSK, pain and rheumatology services/teams and with multidisciplinary colleagues across health and social care sectors to ensure the delivery of a coordinated multidisciplinary care. Making appropriate recommendations for further management and ensuring that the patient is informed.

4. To accept clinical responsibility for a designated caseload of patients and to organise this effectively and efficiently with regards to clinical priorities and use of time.

5. To independently or with the Enhanced Scope Practitioner triage referrals and make onward referrals as appropriate. This will involve the coordination of the patient's complex pathway of care between healthcare professionals comprising the multidisciplinary team. The multidisciplinary team consists of Allied Health Professionals, Healthcare Scientists, GP's, Doctors and Consultants in both primary and secondary care and may involve other agencies e.g. social care. Thus, the clinician will be expected to refer on beyond their scope of practice.

6. To undertake comprehensive assessment of patients, including those with complex presentation, using investigative and analytical skills and to formulate individualised management and treatment plans, using clinical reasoning and utilising a wide range of treatment skills and options to formulate a specialised programme of care. There may be conflicting information to make a judgement on the best course of action to be taken for the management of patient's condition.

Disability Confident
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A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.