First Contact Physiotherapist
Location: Salisbury
Hours: 30 hours per week. Fixed Term – 6‑9 months. Salary: £42,000 to £49,000 pro rota, depending on experience.
Pure Physio is a leading NHS partner that delivers high‑quality First Contact Physiotherapists, integrated within Primary Care. We collaborate with Primary Care Networks, Neighbourhood Teams, GP Federations, GP clusters and ICBs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to provide community‑based, preventative healthcare.
We work within multidisciplinary teams – including FCPs, Health & Wellbeing Coaches and Social Prescribers – focusing on early intervention, prevention and long‑term wellbeing. We support musculoskeletal (MSK) care, long‑term conditions (including CVD, diabetes and persistent pain), social prescribing, women’s health, neurology, rheumatology and geriatric care.
A First Contact Physiotherapist is an MSK specialist based in GP practices who can assess, diagnose and support patients at their first point of contact, without the need for a GP referral.
Responsibilities
- Assess and diagnose MSK conditions on the patient’s first contact.
- Provide expert advice on pain management, mobility and recovery.
- Recommend treatment or onward referral to specialists.
- Order investigations such as X‑rays or blood tests when appropriate.
- Reduce GP workload by managing MSK cases directly.
At times an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist (APP) may be required to fulfil a requirement:
- Take on complex MSK presentations beyond FCP scope.
- Lead persistent pain management pathways.
- Support patients with multimorbidities (CVD, diabetes, frailty, mental health).
- Provide advanced rehabilitation planning.
- Reduce unnecessary referrals to secondary care.
Why these roles matter
Musculoskeletal problems account for around 30% of all GP appointments, so FCPs help ensure patients get faster access to the right clinician, improving outcomes while freeing up GP time for other health needs.
Training and Expertise
All FCPs are qualified physiotherapists with:
- A BSc or MSc in Physiotherapy.
- 5 years post‑qualification experience.
- Advanced MSK training aligned with the national FCP/Advanced Practice Roadmap.
These qualifications enable them to work autonomously, request investigations and make complex clinical decisions.
In Summary
A First Contact Physiotherapist from Pure Physio provides rapid, expert assessments, supports PCNs with transparent reporting, preventative care and integrated community‑based services.
First Contact Physiotherapist in Salisbury employer: ExamWorks Group
ExamWorks Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on enhancing NHS services in East Anglia, our team enjoys the flexibility of remote work combined with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in healthcare operations. We provide comprehensive support, competitive benefits, and a collaborative environment that empowers our employees to excel in their roles.
