Highly Specialist Physiotherapist SUNDERLAND

Job summary

Permanent
Static Band 7 Physiotherapist, 18.5 hours per week, Rheumatology Out-patients based at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Physiotherapist to join our experienced and supportive MSK Out-patients physiotherapy team.

This is an excellent opportunity to advance and consolidate your specialist knowledge and skills to provide safe, effective, high quality and evidence-based physiotherapy to a wide range of Rheumatological Out-patients at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop research, teaching and leadership skills and we offer support with training and development through courses, in-service training, appraisals and supervision.

The successful candidate will work as part of the physiotherapy and wider multi-disciplinary teams.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will work as part of the physiotherapy and multidisciplinary team to provide high quality care to Rheumatological patients.

The main duties of the job include:

• The assessment and treatment of patients with complex Rheumatological conditions, including newly diagnosed spondyloarthropathy patients and patients with multi pathologies, including patients with inflammatory disease, with underlying MSK conditions.
• Provide patients with intra‑articular injection therapy.
• To contribute to service developments and quality improvement.
• To provide clinical support and supervision for Physiotherapy staff and Support Workers, as well as supervision of students.
• To deputise in the absence of senior colleagues as required.
• To maintain professional development through participation in relevant professional training programmes.
• To comply with Trust policies.
• To assist in raising the profile of the Physiotherapy service.

Key requirements

• Good interpersonal skills.
• Problem solving approach to tasks.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within teams.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.

About us

One Team One Trust – There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under‑represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits – Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co‑ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.

If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Details

Date posted: 10 September 2026

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 7

Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year

Pro Rata

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Part‑time

Reference number: C9155-CSAHP-0926-17

Job locations:
Sunderland Royal Hospital
Kayll Road
SUnderLAND
SR4 7TP
United Kingdom

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Collaborative team player with the ability to lead and mentor junior colleagues.
• Empathetic, patient‑centred approach and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Self‑motivated, proactive and committed to continuous professional development.
• Resilient, adaptable and able to work under pressure.

Experience

Essential

• Significant postgraduate experience in Rheumatology.
• Proven track record in assessing and managing Rheumatological conditions.
• Experience working effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability in service development, audit and outcome measurement.

Skills

Essential

• Advanced knowledge of Rheumatology conditions, anatomy, physiology and pathology.
• Proven competence in rheumatology assessment and treatment techniques, including injection therapy.
• Strong clinical reasoning and triage skills.
• Excellent communication, teaching and report writing abilities.
• Ability to analyse data, produce outcome reports and drive service improvements.

Desirable

• Able to use own initiative appropriately to enhance service delivery
• Intermediate IT skills
• Presentational skills

Attitude

Essential

• A proactive ability to represent the profession and the Trust with positive enthusiasm
• Commitment, motivation and adaptability
• Good levels of general fitness
• Flexibility

Qualifications

Essential

• HCPC registered Physiotherapist
• Degree in Physiotherapy (or equivalent).
• A post graduate certificate in Injection Therapy (or commitment to work towards certification)
• Continuing Professional Development diary including evidence of reflective practice, training and clinical experience
• Basic numeracy and literacy skills to level 1 or equivalent
• Basic IT skills
• Evidence of post‑graduate competence, knowledge and skills in Rheumatological conditions.

Desirable

• An understanding of South Tyneside and Sunderland Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing
• Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details

Employer name

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Sunderland Royal Hospital
Kayll Road
SUnderLAND
SR4 7TP
United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.stsft.nhs.uk

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:
Service Lead
Gillian Gatenby
g.gatenby@nhs.net

Supporting documents

• Discover Sunderland
• Staff Benefits
• Trust Vision and Values
• Equality Diversity and Inclusion at our Trust

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