Job summary
Work alongside the Orthopaedic Consultant to deliver the Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) service, including referral triage, remote patient consultations, clinical decision-making, and appropriate onward referral.

Undertake advanced assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients within the speciality, applying specialist clinical knowledge and evidence-based practice.

Discuss and explain X-ray and MRI findings with patients and collaborate with the Orthopaedic Consultant and wider MDT to support effective clinical decision-making and patient management.

Make appropriate onward referrals for further investigation, treatment, or specialist input, working collaboratively with Consultants and other MDT members.

Undertake specialist physiotherapy assessment and diagnostic responsibilities, including appropriate use and interpretation of investigations such as blood tests and diagnostic imaging.

Maintain accurate and comprehensive clinical records in line with professional and regulatory standards.

Safely manage clinical risk within the caseload, identifying and escalating concerns appropriately.

Evaluate clinical practice through audit, outcome measures, and reflective practice, contributing to service improvement.

Maintain an up-to-date professional portfolio and undertake continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance specialist clinical expertise.

Main duties of the job
With the support of the Orthopaedic Consultant, contribute to the delivery and development of the Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) service, working closely with the Orthopaedic multidisciplinary team (MDT) to provide effective triage, clinical assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients within the VFC setting.

In collaboration with the Trauma and Orthopaedic Clinical Director, General Manager, Service Manager, and Therapies Lead(s), support the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of the VFC service to ensure it meets clinical and service requirements.

Provide specialist clinical expertise to support the development and improvement of the VFC service, working collaboratively with key stakeholders across the multidisciplinary team and wider organisation.

Undertake comprehensive assessment of patients presenting with a diverse range of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions, including complex presentations, using advanced clinical reasoning to establish a diagnosis and make appropriate onward referrals for further investigation or management where required.

Undertake all aspects of clinical practice as an autonomous practitioner, maintaining professional accountability for clinical decision-making, patient management, and the delivery of safe, effective, and evidence-based care.

About us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job responsibilities

• With the support of the Orthopaedic Consultant, contribute to the delivery of the Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) service, working closely with the Orthopaedic multidisciplinary team (MDT) to provide effective triage, clinical assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients within the VFC setting.
• Work collaboratively with the Trauma and Orthopaedic Clinical Director, General Manager, Service Manager, and Therapies Lead(s) to support the development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of the VFC service.
• Provide specialist clinical expertise to support the development and continuous improvement of the VFC service, working collaboratively with key stakeholders across the service and wider multidisciplinary team.
• Undertake comprehensive clinical assessments of patients presenting with a diverse range of orthopaedic and musculoskeletal conditions, including complex presentations, using advanced clinical reasoning to establish a diagnosis and make appropriate onward referrals for further management where required.
• Undertake all aspects of clinical practice as an autonomous practitioner, demonstrating professional accountability for clinical decision-making and ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, evidence-based, and patient-centred care.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Diploma in Physiotherapy / BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
• Evidence of relevant post graduate courses/CPD and reflective practice
• Up to date professional development portfolio

Desirable

• Member of the CSP

Experience
Essential

• Wide ranging post graduate clinical experience
• Involvement in carrying out clinical audit including the co-ordination and evaluation of, and the use of findings to make service developments
• Experience at senior level within a relevant specialty
• Experience of reviewing plain film

Desirable

• Experience of reviewing MR images

Knowledge
Essential

• Proven specialist skills in an Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal setting
• Proven understanding of clinical governance with risk management
• Ability to analyse complex information

Communication, personal characteristics & relationship skills
Essential

• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with (professional) and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.

Skills
Essential

• Proven ability to work within context of tight deadlines
• Able to problem solve, including under pressure
• High level of IT skills

Desirable

• Up to date IR(ME)R training

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.

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 (Opens in a new tab).

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 (Opens in a new tab).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).