Physiotherapist Extended Scope - KneeNHS

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced Knee Extended Scope Practitioner (ESP) Physiotherapist to join the Trauma & Orthopaedics service at Southmead Hospital on a fixed-term Band 7 basis.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced clinician with advanced expertise in the assessment, diagnosis and management of complex knee conditions. Working closely with Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeons, you will act as a first point of contact for patients within elective orthopaedic pathways, independently managing patients through assessment, investigation, treatment, referral for surgery and discharge as appropriate.

The successful candidate will demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning skills, detailed knowledge of diagnostic investigations and imaging, and the ability to manage complex clinical presentations autonomously within agreed governance frameworks. You will have expertise in differential diagnosis, conservative management, peri-operative optimisation and post-operative rehabilitation.

As a clinical lead within the service, you will support triage, coordinate patient pathways and contribute to service development and quality improvement initiatives. You will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care.

The role offers close working with Consultant Knee Surgeons, participation in specialist MDTs, peer support from fellow ESPs and opportunities to contribute to audit, research and service improvement activities.

Main duties of the job

To work in an extended role beyond the usual physiotherapy scope of practice. This involves the clinical management of patients with complex knee conditions referred for a hospital outpatient opinion.

As an autonomous physiotherapy practitioner, to be responsible for the examination, assessment and further management of patients designated by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon within an outpatient setting.

Complex patient management includes listing patients for surgery, referring patients for further tests and investigations (e.g. blood tests, X-rays, MRI scans and other diagnostic imaging) and referring to other healthcare professionals as appropriate.

To liaise and work closely with Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons and other healthcare professionals, including referring General Practitioners, Specialty Leads and Divisional Leads.

To communicate effectively with patients and carers, explaining complex information relating to diagnosis, disease progression, prognosis, treatment options and management plans to support informed decision-making.

Job description

Full job description is attached which lists all the main duties of the role and working environment. You can also find the person specification within the Job Description

About us

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT) was formed in July 2026 through the merger of North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, creating one of the largest NHS organisations in the country, with around 28,000 staff providing services across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

At our Southmead Hospital site, we provide a wide range of regional and specialist services, including serving as the Major Trauma Centre for the South West and delivering nationally and internationally recognised specialist care.

Our ambition is to deliver outstanding, equitable and sustainable healthcare for our patients, while creating opportunities for our people to thrive and develop. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, respected and able to contribute.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to being an inclusive employer that reflects the diverse communities we serve