The post holder is responsible for delivering high-quality physiotherapy services while maintaining professional, legal, and ethical accountability for all aspects of patient care. This includes independently managing a designated caseload, assessing, diagnosing, treating, and reviewing patients in accordance with current evidence-based practice, national standards, Trust policies, and clinical guidelines. The role requires the ability to prioritise complex clinical workloads, manage risk effectively, and apply specialist clinical reasoning to develop, implement, and evaluate individual treatment programmes.

The physiotherapist will provide a range of interventions including manual therapy, exercise therapy, electrotherapy, rehabilitation programmes, patient education, and the prescription or provision of appropriate equipment such as walking aids, splints, supports, and TENS machines. All interventions must be delivered safely and in accordance with relevant legal, professional, national, and local requirements.

The post holder will work across a variety of clinical settings including inpatient wards, outpatient departments, emergency care, consultant clinics, community settings, and primary care environments. They may be required to work independently as a lone practitioner while maintaining access to senior professional support when necessary. Attendance at multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, ward rounds, case conferences, and home visits is required to ensure physiotherapy treatment is integrated into wider patient management and discharge planning.

A key responsibility is maintaining high standards of clinical governance, including effective management of clinical risk, accurate patient assessment, ongoing review of treatment outcomes, and adherence to professional standards. Comprehensive, accurate, and timely clinical records must be maintained using appropriate documentation and IT systems while ensuring confidentiality and information governance requirements are met.

The role requires effective communication with patients, carers, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. The post holder must be able to explain complex information clearly, motivate patients to engage in treatment and rehabilitation programmes, and adapt communication methods to meet individual needs, including those with sensory impairments, language barriers, cognitive difficulties, or other communication challenges. Sensitive and complex information must be communicated appropriately while maintaining professionalism and compassion.

The physiotherapist will work closely with members of the multidisciplinary team, developing positive working relationships and contributing physiotherapy expertise to support holistic patient care. They will provide advice, education, and training to colleagues within and outside the Trust where appropriate and seek guidance from senior clinicians when managing complex cases.

The post holder will contribute to the supervision, development, and support of junior physiotherapists, assistants, technical instructors, and students. Responsibilities include providing clinical guidance, teaching, competency assessment, supervision of practice, and ensuring delegated work is carried out safely and to a high standard. The role may include responsibility for the work of physiotherapy assistants and acting as a mentor or supervisor for students undertaking clinical placements.

From a management and administrative perspective, the post holder is expected to maintain accurate activity records and utilise departmental information systems in line with local and national reporting requirements. They will assist in the prioritisation of referrals and contribute to the effective organisation and delivery of physiotherapy services. Active participation in team working is essential, including supporting colleagues, coordinating delegated tasks, and contributing to service efficiency. The post holder may be required to deputise for senior physiotherapy staff in their absence and participate fully in the Trust’s performance review and appraisal processes as both an appraiser and appraisee where appropriate.

The role includes responsibility for maintaining safe working environments for patients, visitors, and staff. Treatment areas must be kept clean, organised, and compliant with health and safety standards. Any defective equipment should be reported promptly, and consideration should be given to cost-effectiveness when recommending equipment or resources for patient use.

The post holder will actively contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives. This includes participation in clinical governance activities, audits, service evaluations, outcome monitoring, and projects designed to enhance clinical effectiveness and patient care. A sound understanding of governance principles and quality improvement methodologies is required to support ongoing service development and innovation.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is an essential component of the role. The physiotherapist is expected to undertake postgraduate education, participate in in-service training, and remain up to date with developments in physiotherapy practice, particularly within musculoskeletal and orthopaedic specialities. New evidence and best practice should be incorporated into clinical work and shared with colleagues to support team learning and service improvement.

The post holder will contribute to the education and training of staff, students, visitors, and other healthcare professionals through formal and informal teaching activities. They are responsible for maintaining their own professional competence, keeping an up-to-date CPD portfolio, and participating in learning opportunities that support personal and professional growth.

Research, audit, and evidence-based practice form an important part of the role. The physiotherapist will undertake and contribute to projects aimed at improving clinical practice and patient outcomes, such as developing treatment protocols, conducting audits, evaluating services, and presenting findings to colleagues. Participation in research and practice evaluation activities is encouraged whenever opportunities arise.

The post holder is expected to actively participate in departmental and Trust meetings, contribute to policy and procedure development, and support the effective functioning of the physiotherapy service. They must complete all mandatory training, including therapy handling and health and safety requirements, and undertake any additional duties appropriate to the grade as requested by senior management.

At all times, the post holder must maintain high standards of professionalism, confidentiality, equality, and respect. They are responsible for safeguarding their own wellbeing and that of patients, colleagues, and visitors, complying with all Trust policies, statutory requirements, clinical governance frameworks, and professional standards. The role requires flexibility, including participation in weekend services, extended hours, statutory holiday working, and service demands as required. The job description is intended to reflect the general scope of the role and may be reviewed or amended to meet changing service needs.