Specialist Surgical Physiotherapist

Job Summary

We are looking for a skilled and experienced Physiotherapist to join our Surgical team at the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust, covering a maternity leave within the team. Contract dates 27.04.26 – 27.12.26. This is a full‑time post (37.5 hours/week) with part‑time options. The role may be a secondment. Flexible working across 7 days, including weekend and respiratory on‑call service.

• Provide a high standard physiotherapy service to patients at RCHT.
• Provide specialist assessment, treatment and goal setting for patients following surgical interventions with complex presentations and/or co‑morbidities, including amputation pre‑habilitation and rehabilitation involving pathway management and development.
• Develop the physiotherapy service provision for surgical patients, research and implement innovative ways of working, including pre‑habilitation.
• Develop relationships and working practices on the surgical wards to optimise input at the appropriate time for the unique presentations of these patients.
• Provide specialist knowledge and assessment to ear, nose, throat patients with tracheostomies and laryngectomies.
• Maintain records as an autonomous practitioner.
• Promote safe discharge and promote patient flow.
• Develop highly specialist skills under the guidance of senior staff.
• Attend clinical level discussions/meetings related to your area of work as delegated by the team lead.

The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is the main provider of acute and specialist care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, serving a population of around 500,000. We employ approximately 6,700 staff with a budget of around £580 million. It is a teaching hospital in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School.

The Knowledge Spa on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site is the base for medical and nursing as well as ongoing education for health professionals in clinical and non‑clinical roles.

• Date posted: 07 January 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
• Band: 6
• Salary: £38,682 – £46,580 a year, pro‑rata
• Contract: Fixed‑term
• Duration: 9 months
• Working pattern: Full‑time (37.5 hrs/week), part‑time options available
• Reference number: 156‑7654900
• Job locations: Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro (TR1 3LJ
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• Identity checks
• Professional registration and qualification checks
• Employment history and reference checks
• Occupational health clearance
• Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check
• Right to work in the UK

We reserve the right to close this advert early. We may be able to offer flexible working and sponsorship (not guaranteed). For further information, please visit NHS Employers.

• Degree in Physiotherapy or equivalent
• HCPC registered
• Comprehensive experience in an acute hospital setting, including rotations at Band 5 and Band 6 levels
• Experience of working within multi‑disciplinary and multi‑agency teams, including collaboration with other organisations
• Up‑to‑date clinical and specialist assessment skills
• Well‑developed communication skills – empathy, compassion, negotiation and motivation
• Reflective practitioner with portfolio evidence
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work in highly stressful situations, manage distressing and emotive situations successfully
• Can concentrate for long periods (20+ min) with frequent interruptions
• Keen to share knowledge and training across all health care professionals

• Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
• Membership of appropriate clinical interest groups
• Evidence of postgraduate education and development

• Senior level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type: Part‑time (open to full‑time)
• Job function: Health Care Provider

Employer: Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust
Address: Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro, TR1 3LJ

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