Physiotherapy
It is estimated that up to 30% of a GP’s caseload is taken up with musculo-skeletal (MSK) conditions, yet ultimately up to 85% of those conditions do not need to be seen by a GP and could be more appropriately dealt with by an experienced MSK Physiotherapist, often referred to as a First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP).
Many GP practices across BSW are now offering patients the choice to see an experienced MSK professional from the start of their patient journey, which is proving advantageous for both the patient as well as the practice as it frees up a substantial number of appointments. This reduces the pressure on GPs and also makes savings in secondary care as many (up to 50%) patients are able to be discharged, after the initial consultation, with advice on managing their condition and not needing onward referral
This expansion of MSK services within primary care provides an immediate solution to GP shortages and delivers the transformation of primary care needed for a sustainable health system tailored to modern population needs.
Is there any recruitment funding available to Primary Care Networks?
This is a role that is included in the Additional Roles Recruitment Scheme from April 2020. Primary Care Networks may therefore be able to access funding via the ICS to cover salary and on costs. You can find out more about the scheme and workforce planning by contacting the GP Forward View Leads who work with the ICS’s Primary Care Team and by referring to the information in the links below:
- Update to the GP Contract Agreement – NHS England
- Network Contract DES Contract Specification 2023-24 – NHS England
FCP Community of Practice
There is now a BSW wide FCP Community of Practice, aiming to support all FCPs in Primary Care across BSW. The aim is to meet as a community on a quarterly basis. To learn more about the CoP contact kevinforeman@nhs.net
Funding for Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Funding for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), Registered Nurses and Nursing Associates is provided by NHS England and has been distributed directly to general practices and approved training providers for 2026/27.
Staff should discuss their learning and development needs with their line manager as part of the appraisal and personal development planning process. This will help identify training that supports both individual career development and service needs.
The BSW General Practice Guide to Development & Funding (June 2026) has been distributed to Practice Managers and should be used as the primary source of information regarding educational funding opportunities and application processes.
If you are interested in accessing development funding, please speak to your Practice Manager in the first instance. The Training Hub continues to work closely with practices and training providers to support workforce development across BSW.
Roadmap to Practice
A Roadmap to Practice is a supportive document that provides a clear educational pathway from undergraduate to advanced practice for clinicians wishing to pursue a career in primary care.
- FCP Advanced Practitioners Musculoskeletal
- The latest resource from the CSP; a new career guide for FCP
Reflective example case studies
Below are two examples; the first requires improvement as it doesn’t meet the threshold for master’s level evidence – it includes comments at various points highlighting areas for improvement. The second case study demonstrates more in the way of complex clinical reasoning. Case studies of this kind could be useful for both advanced practitioners and FCPs who are building their portfolios of evidence. This example is from FCP MSK: Reflective example case studies
Kevin Foreman, AHP, AP, Mentoring + Apprenticeship Lead
Kevin is a healthcare professional with a diverse background in diagnostic radiography, physiotherapy, and health education. With extensive experience across clinical practice and educational leadership, Kevin plays a pivotal role in supporting primary care to access both clinical and non-clinical apprenticeships. He is also actively involved in advancing practice initiatives, helping to shape the future workforce in healthcare. As the Training Hub Lead for Allied Health Professions, Kevin champions interdisciplinary collaboration and professional growth across the sector.
