Senior Physiotherapist Frailty

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

The closing date is 19 January 2026

We are looking for an enthusiastic band 6 with acute hospital experience at a band 5 (or equivalent) to join the Frailty Physiotherapy Team based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. The post is permanent. This role will be focused on providing a high standard of Physiotherapy assessment, treatment and evaluation to clients within the Frailty Inpatient Physiotherapy service at Royal Sussex County Hospital.

You will have excellent opportunities to develop your own skills and leadership, working within a strong and supportive MDT.

This Band 6 position is an excellent opportunity to work within a dynamic, forward thinking and innovative department with the opportunity to work in a brand new building, attend courses, preceptorship and development afternoons. Royal Sussex County Hospital is in a wonderful location, situated adjacent to the South Downs National Park and the sea, with excellent transport links to London and across Southern England.

You will be joining a strong and supportive Physiotherapy team and we look forward to welcoming you on an informal visit to discuss any aspects of this exciting role.

As an autonomous practitioner, to assess and treat specialist caseload of frailty patients, who may have complex and/or chronic presentation, and to determine a diagnosis and develop treatment programmes without direct supervision from Senior Staff.

To work as an upskilled Physiotherapist alongside Occupational Therapy Staff.

To support Band 7 and Superintendent staff in the planning and organisation of physiotherapy team activities and programmes.

To be responsible for teaching, supervision and appraisal of recently qualified physiotherapists, physiotherapy assistants, and undergraduate students, and be involved in the teaching of MDT staff.

To undertake evidence-based practice and participate in departmental research, data collection and audit.

To adhere to Departmental protocols, Trust policies and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Code of Conduct, and National Standards where they exist.

To remain competent for respiratory on-calls and to work as part of the respiratory rota.

To be prepared to participate in future 7-day service provision if applicable.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in.

We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level
3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role‑specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.

If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

To adapt communication skills to encourage patients to undertake their treatment programme, including patients with communication difficulties e.g. Dementia, learning difficulties, visual and hearing impairments and non‑English speaking patients.

To assess capacity to give consent, gain informed consent and have the ability to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment such as patients who have dementia, dysphasia, dysarthria, cognitive and perceptual problems, learning difficulties or who are acutely confused.

To persuade, motivate, reassure, empathise, explain and encourage patients in undertaking their…