Allied Health Professionals
Introduction to Allied Health Professionals
Allied Health Professionals play an integral role in supporting our patients from admission, throughout their hospital stay and long after discharge. The high-quality care that patients receive, not only medically but therapeutically would not be possible without the excellent multidisciplinary approach that Allied Health Professionals provide at North Bristol NHS Trust.
What AHP specialties could I work in?
What AHP specialties could I work in?
×Our clinical teams provide outstanding patient care over a wide range of specialties in our five clinical divisions:
- Medicine Division – specialties include Cardiology, Respiratory, Acute Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Gastroenterology, Haematology, Complex Care, Elgar Enablement Unit, Complex Assessment Unit.
- Anaesthesia, Surgery, Critical Care and Renal Division – specialties include Intensive Care, Renal and Haemodialysis, Surgical Admission – Surgical Assessment Unit, Vascular, Burns and Plastics, General Surgery, Theatres and Medirooms.
- Neurosciences and Musculoskeletal Division – Stroke, Neurosurgery, Spines, Pain, Elective Orthopaedics, Trauma, Neurology, Rheumatology, Neuropsychiatry, Neurophysiology, Bristol Centre for Enablement (including prosthetics and orthotics), Neuropathology, Bristol Speech and Language Therapy.
- Women and Children’s Health Division – Neonatal Intensive Care and Gynaecology
- Core Clinical Services Division – Outpatients, Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Pathology, Pharmacy, Therapies.
Allied Health Professionals opportunities

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy
×Occupational therapy helps people of all ages overcome challenges completing everyday tasks or activities – what we call occupations.
We are a large, diverse team working within most inpatient specialties and we also provide a small outpatient service.
We can offer rotational opportunities and a comprehensive preceptorship programme for newly registered practitioners.
Occupational Therapy Support Workers
Our Occupational Therapy Support Workers assist in the provision of therapeutic interventions under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist.
Opportunities within our Occupational Therapy Service are advertised under ‘Allied Health Professionals’ in our current vacancies at the bottom of this page.
Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy
×Our Physiotherapists work as key members in our multidisciplinary team to provide the best care for our patients.
They support our patients to regain their mobility, function and confidence following surgery/illness, providing a range of therapy interventions to facilitate recovery and independence.
We can offer our physiotherapists a rotational programme, which consists of six monthly rotations across a variety of specialities, including complex care, neurosciences, intensive care, orthopaedics, burns and plastics and MusculoSkeletal outpatients. All rotations are based on the Southmead Hospital site and predominantly in our state-of-the-art Brunel building.
We have a well-established mentor programme and comprehensive preceptorship programme for newly qualifying practitioners. We also offer progression pathways for experienced Physiotherapists to move into specialist roles.
Physiotherapy Support Workers
Our Physiotherapy Support Workers are integral members of our team, supporting therapists to provide a range of skilled therapy tasks, including organising and implementing physical treatment sessions from treatment protocols, monitoring patient progress and working with patients towards their recovery and discharge.
Opportunities within our Physiotherapy Service are advertised under ‘Allied Health Professionals’ in our current vacancies.
Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy
×Our Speech and Language Therapy Department maintains a high profile across inpatient and outpatient services. We have a team of around 35 Speech and Language Therapists who promote excellent care of patients with swallowing and communication difficulties throughout the patient journey. We work as an integral part of the multidisciplinary team across key pathways of stroke, neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, neurology, medicine, critical care and outpatients.
We have a well established instrumental swallow assessment service and are able to provide in house development, assessment and maintenance of competencies in FEES, videofluoroscopy and tracheostomy management.
We have a well-developed supervision and support structure within a team that has huge amounts of clinical experience and expertise, and we have a proven track record of supporting new and inexperienced staff to gain a high level of clinical as well as leadership and team working skills.
Speech and Language Therapy Support Workers
We have a small number of Speech and Language Therapy Support Workers who play a key role in supporting therapy programmes, patient review, producing materials for therapy and support, maintaining equipment and set up of clinics.
Opportunities within our Speech and Language Therapy Service are advertised under ‘Allied Health Professionals’ in our current vacancies.
Operating Department Practitioner

Operating Department Practitioner
×Our theatre department is a Major Trauma centre for the South West Region and a specialist regional centre for a number of services, including neurosurgery, renal, plastics, burns and orthopaedics. At North Bristol Trust, we are proud to offer all our Theatre Practitioners (Operating Department Practitioner’s (ODP’s) and Nurses) the same job role and access to development opportunities.
Our multidisciplinary team receive personalised support from the Perioperative Development Team, providing bespoke training programmes and development days for theatre staff. We currently have ODPs who have progressed to work in a variety of roles including Assistant General Manager, Simulation Trainers, Research and Surgical First Assistants.
Our anaesthetics and scrub practitioners also have access to unique multidisciplinary training delivered by our Perioperative simulation team within a purpose-built simulation facility; our Clinical Simulation space.
We are also innovating the traditional recovery approach, supporting patients during admission, pre-op and post operatively within our Medirooms. A new concept in healthcare, our Medirooms combine the traditional recovery, day-case, same-day and admission areas into a single patient room environment, specifically designed to enhance patient experience by improving the level of privacy and dignity that these areas were traditionally able to offer. Patients also benefit from continuity of care as they are admitted, recovered and discharged/transferred by the same mediroom team.
We are also proud to be able to support an Operating Department Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire, a three year course where individuals study for a BSc Hons in Operating Department Practice, incorporating the integrated Degree Apprenticeship standards for Operating Department Practice.
Opportunities for ODP’s within our Theatre Department are advertised under ‘Allied Health Professionals’ in our current vacancies.
Radiographers

Radiographers
×Working as a Radiographer at North Bristol NHS Trust will provide you with a strong commitment for your individual personal development, the prospect to work with a fantastic and friendly team of peers and a department that is always open to new ideas and suggestions from all team members, providing a collaborative working environment.
North Bristol NHS Trust offers a diverse and challenging work environment where Radiographers can consolidate and build their skills. The Imaging Department encourages cross modality working practices in Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Interventional Radiology. Every year we carry out just over 400,000 imaging examinations ranging from simple GP requests, to complex Trauma cases as well as our regional specialties including neurosciences, orthopaedics and renal.
Teams within our services include:
- Computed Tomography (CT) team; delivering CT services for patients, with four CT scanners at our Southmead Hospital site and two located at Cossham Hospital.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) team; delivers MRI services for patients, with four MRI scanners at our Southmead Hospital site and one located at Cossham Hospital.
- Interventional Radiology team; the department consists of six labs with a mixture of single/bi-plane and hybrid systems and two multipurpose fluoroscopy rooms. This team also delivers the Lithotripsy service.
- Nuclear Medicine Team; providing a comprehensive Nuclear Medicine service to a wider range of specialties within the hospital, including examinations such as melanoma and penile scintigraphy, breast SNL procedures, lung scans, renal studies, cardiac and brain imaging.
- Reporting radiographers; providing Appendicular and axial reporting on ED and GP imaging.
Dietitians

Dietitians
×Dietitians interpret the science of nutrition to improve health and treat diseases/conditions by educating and giving practical, personalised advice to clients, patients, carers and colleagues.
We are a large dietetic team based at Southmead, which includes dietetic assistants. Our Dietitians work in many specialist areas such a renal, major trauma, neurosciences. The job roles range from supporting patients on the main wards to providing out-patient clinics from home.
Our dietetic team is very patient focused, friendly, flexible and supportive. We provide clinical support and mentorship, regular CPD opportunities and annual appraisals. Our department is committed to multi-disciplinary working and we have good IT facilities and admin support.
We are a forward thinking department, and this is an ideal career for motivated and caring people who have an interest in nutrition. The Trust supports evidence-based practice and all Dietitians are expected to participate in audit, research, projects or study related to their areas of work.
AHP Video - Interventional Radiology at North Bristol NHS Trust
Current Allied Health Professionals Vacancies
Clinical Neuropsychologist/Psychologist
- Job reference
- 339-SRD4046
- Salary
- Per annum, pro rata - dependent on experience
- Salary period
- Full time, Part time, Job share, Flexible working - 30 hours per week (The job can be up to 30 hours per week on band 8a (approximately 34 hours on band 7). Part-time and job share arrangements will be considered.)
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 7-8a
- Contract
- Staff Group
- Allied Health Professionals
- Town
- Bristol
Description
- Provide a comprehensive outpatient neuropsychology service (e.g., diagnosis, formulation, recommendations to patient, carer, or other professionals, intervention and recommendations)
- Communicate with service users, carers and other health professionals regarding the neuropsychological aspects of a person’s care via individual sessions, discussion and formal reports, as appropriate.
- Manage, plan and prioritise a clinical caseload
- Engage in individual supervision with a senior Clinical Neuropsychologist
- Engage in peer supervision via colleagues in the Neuropsychology department and obtain the required Continuous Professional Development hours
- Work with Assistant Psychologists
Apply by 26/12/2023
Clinical Neuropsychologist/Psychologist:more details and how to apply
Occupational Therapist - Band 5
- Job reference
- 339-NBR4048
- Salary
- per annum
- Salary period
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Rostered weekend shifts as part of contracted hours with frequency of no more than 1 in 4.)
- Grade
- Band 5
- Contract
- Staff Group
- Allied Health Professionals
- Town
- Westbury-On-Trym,
Description
The caseloads are varied, challenging and rewarding requiring application of a wide range of therapeutic skills to encompass functional and cognitive assessments, early interventions, social and environmental needs for discharge planning and onward referrals.
Close multi-disciplinary working and links with community partners in the wider health and care system exist to address needs at all stages of the clinical pathways, with occupational therapy playing a crucial role.
Apply by 17/12/2023
Occupational Therapist - Band 5:more details and how to apply
Occupational Therapist - Band 6
- Job reference
- 339-DAC4049
- Salary
- Per annum, pro rata for part time roles.
- Salary period
- Full time, Part time - 37.5 hours per week (Rostered weekend shifts as part of contracted hours with frequency of no more than 1 in 4.)
- Grade
- Band 6
- Contract
- Staff Group
- Allied Health Professionals
- Town
- Bristol
Description
The caseloads are varied, challenging and rewarding requiring application of a wide range of therapeutic skills to encompass functional and cognitive assessments, early interventions, social and environmental needs for discharge planning and onward referrals.
Close multi-disciplinary working and links with community partners in the wider health and care system exist to address needs at all stages of the clinical pathways, with occupational therapy playing a crucial role.
Apply by 17/12/2023
Occupational Therapist - Band 6:more details and how to apply
Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (Stroke) - Band 6
- Job reference
- 339-RUH4050
- Salary
- per annum. Pro rata for part time roles.
- Salary period
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Will involve weekend cover for stroke as part of a rota.)
- Grade
- 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Staff Group
- Allied Health Professionals
- Town
- Bristol
Description
- This is a rotation post between the Hyperacute/Acute Stroke Unit (HASU/ASU) at Southmead Hospital and the Integrated Community Stroke Team (ICSS). The ICSS part of the rotation involves a secondment to Sirona Care and Health
- To provide specialist speech and language therapy (SLT) assessment, diagnosis and treatment to adults with communication and swallowing difficulties following stroke on inpatient wards at NBT and in patients' home as part of the ICSS hosted by Sirona.
- To work as a key member of the multi-disciplinary HASU/ASU and ICSS teams
- To manage an inpatient and/or community caseload as appropriate
- To pursue and acquire ongoing knowledge and expertise for practice with adults with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties.
- To pursue and develop advanced dysphagia skills through formalised training, for example post graduate advanced dysphagia courses.
- To be a member of the specialist SLT team providing assessment, advice and rehabilitation services to adults with communication and swallowing difficulties as a result of stroke, acquired neurological diseases, neurosurgical procedures, medical decline and other long-term conditions
Sonographer
- Job reference
- 339-DAC3824-2
- Salary
- per annum, pro rata
- Salary period
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Grade
- Band 7
- Contract
- Staff Group
- Allied Health Professionals
- Town
- Bristol
Description
- This role requires you to have a good scanning technique, the ability to process complex information, good written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work with colleagues from band 2 support staff to consultants
- Undertake ultrasound lists at Southmead Hospital, as well as in community sites in Cossham Hospital, Clevedon Hospital and Yate Westgate Centre
- You will be able to competently scan and independently report ultrasound scans, to the level required in the NHS, including assessment and reporting complex information. Training will be given in specific areas as required
- Vetting ultrasound requests
- Be actively involved in training trainee sonographers and registrars
- Be involved in and supporting ultrasound audits and equipment QA
- Attend clinical governance mornings for training, feedback interesting cases or audit results
- Be involved in CPD, including attending courses as needed
Apply by 03/01/2024
Sonographer:more details and how to apply
ODP - Anaesthetic, Scrub, Recovery - Band 5
- Job reference
- 339-TA-ASCR-OD-TH1223
- Salary
- per annum
- Salary period
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Up to 37.5 hours per week)
- Grade
- Band 5
- Contract
- Substantive
- Staff Group
- Allied Health Professionals
- Town
- Bristol
Description
The main duties of the role will be dependent on the speciality you are working within. Please refer to the Job Descriptions and Person Specifications attached to this job role.
Apply by 11/01/2024
ODP - Anaesthetic, Scrub, Recovery - Band 5:more details and how to apply
FND Specialist Liaison Practitioner - Band 7
- Job reference
- 339-JKL4041
- Salary
- per annum
- Salary period
- Full time, Job share - 37.5 hours per week
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 7
- Contract
- Staff Group
- Allied Health Professionals
- Town
- Bristol
Description
To provide a specialist liaison service and as an autonomous, advanced practitioner, contribute to the management of a complex caseload (e.g. patients with a wide variety of medical, functional, psychological and social problems), across a number of wards and departments within the hospital.
Apply by 13/12/2023
FND Specialist Liaison Practitioner - Band 7:more details and how to apply
Occupational Therapist - Band 6
- Job reference
- 339-MJB3974-A
- Salary
- Per annum, pro rata for part time roles.
- Salary period
- Part time - 24 hours per week (Rostered weekend shifts as part of contracted hours with frequency of no more than 1 in 4.)
- Grade
- Band 6
- Contract
- Staff Group
- Allied Health Professionals
- Town
- Bristol
Description
Recent stroke pathway changes in the locality have enabled the creation of step down stroke rehab units outside the acute setting, and an enhanced community stroke therapy service [integrating existing early supported discharge teams].
The acute team at Southmead hospital are an integral part of this pathway, working closely with community colleagues to ensure appropriate assessments and interventions to enable effective and timely transfer from hospital. The Occupational Therapy team currently have an ‘A’ rating on the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme latest results.
You will experience close multidisciplinary working within a very supportive team. There are many opportunities for engagement in both service and staff development. Staff and student supervision is also part of the role. Roster patterns include regular weekend working.
Apply by 12/12/2023
Occupational Therapist - Band 6:more details and how to apply
Occupational Therapist - Band 6
- Job reference
- 339-MJB3943-A
- Salary
- Per annum
- Salary period
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Rostered weekend shifts as part of contracted hours with frequency of no more than 1 in 4.)
- Grade
- Band 6
- Contract
- Staff Group
- Allied Health Professionals
- Town
- Bristol
Description
The post is part of the wider occupational therapy service at North Bristol and will initially be based within acute stroke – based on the hyper acute and acute stroke wards. Some prior experience of working within a stroke or other neurosciences setting would be helpful but not essential. There is potential for the successful candidate to rotate to another clinical area for the second half of the fixed term post. This post offers close multi-disciplinary working and links with community partners, to address needs at all stages of the stroke clinical pathway from acute to community, with occupational therapy playing a crucial role.
To learn more about what it's like to work as an Occupational Therapist at NBT check out our video.
Apply by 11/12/2023
Occupational Therapist - Band 6:more details and how to apply
Senior Diabetes Specialist Dietitian
- Job reference
- 339-DAC4016
- Salary
- per annum, pro rata for part time roles.
- Salary period
- Part time - 22.5 hours per week
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 7
- Contract
- Staff Group
- Allied Health Professionals
- Town
- Bristol
Description
The post holder will work closely with the multi-disciplinary Diabetes Team at Southmead Hospital to provide dietary advice and guidance on diabetes management to individuals with diabetes within our secondary-care diabetes service. Our service supports individuals with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, complex type 1 and type 2 diabetes (and other types of diabetes), and those with pre-existing or gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
The successful applicant will provide patient-centred advice concerning carbohydrate counting, healthy eating and lifestyle, carbohydrate awareness, activity management, weight management, diabetes technology, and diabetes medication adjustment, as required. The role will involve providing education on the use of diabetes technology and interpretation of its data to support diabetes management. Support of other dietetic issues and / or liaison with other specialist services may be required.
The post holder will also be involved with developing the role of the Diabetes Specialist Dietitian within the Diabetes Antenatal Service and conducting audit and service evaluations.
Dietetic input will primarily be provided through one-to-one consultations via face-to-face, telephone and virtual platforms. There may also be some requirement to provide education through patient group education sessions.
Apply by 06/12/2023
Senior Diabetes Specialist Dietitian:more details and how to apply
Team Lead Physiotherapist Vascular & Surgery
- Job reference
- 339-NBR4012
- Salary
- per annum, pro rata
- Salary period
- Full time, Part time - 37.5 hours per week (Work as part of a seven day rota with weekend commitment of 1 in 4)
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 7
- Contract
- Staff Group
- Allied Health Professionals
- Town
- Bristol
Description
The post holder will be part of a lead the delivery a high quality Physiotherapy Service across Vascular and Surgery Pathways.
The role supports the experienced Physiotherapy Teams, development of Therapy Staff through supervision and CPD.
The post holder will provide highly specialist assessment and interventions for a busy and varied caseload demonstrating advanced clinical reasoning skills and with specific knowledge of elective procedures and trauma conditions.
They will take a lead in multi-disciplinary activities and have highly developed specialist knowledge and communicate complex condition related information to patients, relative and carers. The role will include supporting complex acute patients and assisting in facilitating timely discharges to be achieved by the service.
The post holder will work closely with the Clinical Leadership Team to support and further develop the Physiotherapy Service.
Apply by 06/12/2023
Team Lead Physiotherapist Vascular & Surgery:more details and how to apply
Advanced Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Pracitioner - Band 7
- Job reference
- 339-JKL3762-A
- Salary
- pa
- Salary period
- Full time, Job share - 15 hours per week
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 7
- Contract
- Staff Group
- Nursing and Midwifery Registered
- Town
- Bristol
Description
Full details within the attached job description
In brief, this post will:
- Plan care in partnership with the person with advanced MS, and their carer, actively facilitating their choice and involvement in decision making.
- Coordinates programmes of care with other health and social care professionals
- Independently conduct neurological examinations and objective measures of patient function
- Competently review and interpret data generated through these assessments and revises the care plan in conjunction with the person with advanced MS, their carer, and other appropriate members of the team accordingly.
- Apply high-level assessment and consultation skills
- Ensure the needs of people with advanced MS who are admitted to hospital as an emergency are met effectively, reducing length of stay and risk of readmission
- Establishes systems to identify people with advanced MS who may be at increased risk of admission and develops and implements personalised action/care plans to minimise this risk.
- Facilitates access to end-of-life care and support as required.
- Identifies people with advanced MS who would benefit from access to specialist equipment such as seating, profiling beds, environmental equipment etc.
- Supports and advises colleagues who are caring for people with advanced MS to help them to deliver high quality, cost effective, specialist care, which optimises outcomes for people with advanced MS and their families.
Senior MSK/Rheumatology Physiotherapist (Band 6)
- Job reference
- 339-TJC4009
- Salary
- per annum, pro rata
- Salary period
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Work pattern is 35.6 hours per week and an additional 7.5 hours one weekend day every 4 weeks)
- Grade
- Band 6
- Contract
- maternity cover
- Staff Group
- Allied Health Professionals
- Town
- Bristol
Description
Rheumatology:
The post holder will have the experience and skills to manage patients with a long-term condition, providing therapeutic care as well as education on specific conditions. They will be able to offer self-management strategies appropriate for inflammatory conditions such as Spondyloarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, bone diseases such as Osteoporosis, connective tissue disorders and long-term musculoskeletal problems such as hypermobility syndrome.
There will be the opportunity to assess newly diagnosed patients, run education and exercise groups, take part in Axial Spondyloarthritis yearly review clinics and manage patients within hydrotherapy.
MSK:
Working within the MSK team you would be able to assess and treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions referred from general practice, A&E, musculoskeletal interface services as well as post-operative pathways.
You would have the opportunity to mentor members of the team in Band 5 roles and below, facilitate with student supervision and take part in delivery of IST.
Whilst your role will be predominantly based at Southmead Hospital you may be asked to work off site, for example at Cossham Hospital, which is a North Bristol Trust community site.
To find out more about working as a Physiotherapist at NBT - take a look at our video.
Apply by 03/12/2023
Senior MSK/Rheumatology Physiotherapist (Band 6):more details and how to apply