First Contact Practitioner (FCP)

St Helens South Primary Care Network is seeking a motivated and experienced First Contact Practitioner (FCP) to join our multidisciplinary team. This is an exciting opportunity to work within primary care, supporting patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions by providing expert assessment, diagnosis and management at the first point of contact. As an FCP, you will work alongside GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals to help improve patient access, reduce GP workload and ensure patients receive the right care at the right time.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will provide advanced clinical assessment and management of patients presenting with MSK conditions in a primary care setting. You will play a key role in supporting patient care through evidence-based treatment plans, self-management advice and appropriate referrals when required.

About us

St Helens South Primary Care Network brings together GP practices and healthcare professionals to deliver integrated, high-quality care to our local population. Our focus is on improving patient access, supporting prevention and delivering services closer to home.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work within a supportive Primary Care Network environment.
• Collaborative working with a multidisciplinary clinical team.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A role that directly contributes to improving patient access and care within the community.
• Monthly protected PLT / Learning Time.
• Enhanced NHS benefits package including sick pay, annual leave and parental leave.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our team and making a difference to patient care within primary care, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role. By clicking on 'Apply' now. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date should a suitable candidate be identified. We do not accept unsolicited CVs or approaches from recruitment agencies. All candidates should apply directly through the official application process.

Job responsibilities

• Provide expert MSK assessment, diagnosis and management for patients presenting in primary care.
• Work as a First Contact Practitioner, seeing patients without the need for prior GP consultation.
• Develop and implement individualised management plans including advice, exercise programmes and referrals.
• Signpost and refer patients to appropriate services where required.
• Work collaboratively with GPs, physiotherapists, and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute to improving patient outcomes, service efficiency and access to care.

Person Specification

We are looking for a clinician who is passionate about delivering high-quality patient care and improving access within primary care. You will:

• Be a qualified Physiotherapist or relevant Allied Health Professional with appropriate professional registration.
• Have postgraduate training and experience in MSK practice.
• Be working at, or towards, FCP / Advanced Practice level.
• Have strong clinical reasoning and assessment skills.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and patient engagement skills.
• Be confident working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

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.