Role Summary
Join our Orthopaedic Interface Service at Royal Devon University Healthcare Trust as an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner. Based primarily at Northern sites of Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust ("RDUH"), this role supports the advice and guidance triage referral process for musculoskeletal (MSK) and orthopaedic cases, with subspecialties in spinal, lower limb, upper limb and foot and ankle. Practitioners will handle a clinical caseload, engage in leadership and education, and contribute to research. This substantive Band 8A role offers professional growth alongside consultant physiotherapists within an established, multidisciplinary team.
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
We are excited to welcome applications for two Band 8A Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners to join our Orthopaedic Interface Service in the northern site of the Royal Devon University Healthcare Trust. This new role supports the advice and guidance triage referral process to ensure timely and appropriate responses to patient referrals.
Role Overview
The Orthopaedic Interface Service triages referrals from GPs and physiotherapists for both interface and orthopaedic appointments. This well-established service covers subspecialties, including:
• Spinal
• Upper Limb
• Lower Limb
• Foot and Ankle
• A new ultrasound-based diagnostic and treatment service
A significant portion of referrals are for lower limb, hip and knee assessment clinics, upper limb and spinal clinics.
Key Responsibilities
The role requires an advanced-level practitioner capable of working across all four pillars of practice. The primary caseload will be clinical, but the role includes leadership, education, and contributions to research within the service. Responsibilities include:
• Managing complex MSK and orthopaedic cases.
• Requesting imaging and interpreting diagnostics.
• Contributing to surgical planning and pathway management.
• Working closely with orthopaedic, rheumatology, and pain management teams.
Location and Scope
While based predominantly at North Devon Hospital, there is an expectation to cover satellite hospitals, including Ilfracombe, Tyrell, Bideford, and Northern Devon Hospital. Preference for subspecialties will be considered, but practitioners with the capacity to work across multiple specialties are encouraged to apply.
Opportunities
The successful candidates will work alongside two consultant physiotherapists (MSK and AHP) who provide clinical and professional leadership. This role is substantive and offers opportunities for professional development within an integrated team.
Requirements
We are looking for experienced advanced MSK practitioners who:
• Have a background in MSK and/or orthopaedic interface services.
• Possess strong knowledge of the MSK and orthopaedic pathways locally, from primary to secondary care.
• Can manage complex biopsychosocial cases and triage orthopaedic surgical cases effectively.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Full time but applications for part time hours are encouraged, Monday - Friday. Flexible working hours consider.
Interview Date: To be confirmed
For further information please contact: Gethin Lynch, MSK Consultant Physiotherapist on 01271 311565 gethin.lynch@nhs.net
This is an internal vacancy for Royal Devon employees, therefore Bank workers are currently not eligible to apply for this vacancy.
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
