Niall Dean

Experience

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  Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust

  Sept 2022 - Sept 2023

  Roational Physiotherapist

  Graduating with a First-Class Honours degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Birmingham in July 2022, I launched my career as a Rotational Band 5 Physiotherapist at Russells Hall Hospital (RHH) upon securing HCPC registration. My degree equipped me with diverse placement experience in Trauma and Orthopaedics, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Oncology, MSK Outpatients, and leadership, laying a robust foundation for my professional journey. At RHH, I completed rotations in Elective Orthopaedics (including Day Surgery, Paediatrics, and bleep-system coverage), Front Door (ED, AMU, FAU, Frailty), and MSK Outpatients, before transitioning to a static adult MSK role at Birmingham Community Healthcare Trust.During my time at RHH, I developed a broad skill set across acute and outpatient settings, thriving under the pressures of a fast-paced NHS environment. In Elective Orthopaedics, I managed post-operative care for procedures like TKR, THR, shoulder replacements, and ACL reconstructions, initiating a service improvement audit on same-day discharge pathways to optimize patient flow. My Front Door rotation sharpened my ability to triage complex cases, lead best-interest meetings for patients with complex needs, and collaborate with MDTs to ease winter pressures—efforts recognized by two Greatix awards for my positive impact on the therapy team and Trust. In MSK Outpatients, I handled consultant-led and ED referrals, applying NICE guidelines to deliver evidence-based care for acute and chronic conditions such as tendonopathies, adhesive capsulitis, and non-specific LBP.These experiences built my resilience, adaptability, and passion for MSK physiotherapy, setting the stage for my future roles within MSK where I independently manage a full caseload, using up-to-date research to help patients achieve their rehab goals. Show less

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  Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

  Sept 2023 - May 2024

  MSK Physiotherapist

  Joining as a Band 5 at Birmingham Community Healthcare Trust ignited my dedication to MSK care. Serving some of the West Midlands’ most deprived communities, I refined my clinical reasoning and adaptability, managing a diverse caseload of MSK conditions from acute injuries to chronic pain in high-pressure, resource-limited settings. I delivered highly person-centered care to patients with complex challenges, including poor health literacy, multiple co-morbidities, and language barriers, fostering trust and driving meaningful rehabilitation outcomes.In this role, I excelled at assessing self-referred spinal patients, confidently identifying and escalating red flag pathologies in line with GIRFT guidance, while building expertise in triaging and prioritizing care. Collaborating with Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs), I mastered the nuances of imaging pathways—knowing when to use or avoid it—and worked alongside pain management teams to integrate Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) into practice. This enabled me to design tailored, graded exposure exercise plans that empowered patients to take control of their pain and recovery. My practice is rooted in evidence-based guidelines, including NICE and British Elbow and Shoulder Society standards, ensuring safe, up-to-date care delivery.Shaped by the challenges and rewards of supporting underserved populations, I bring resilience, empathy, and a proven ability to deliver high-quality MSK physiotherapy care. Show less

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  Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

  May 2024 - now

  Senior MSK Physiotherapist

  As a Band 6 MSK Physiotherapist, I have completed a lower limb rotation. I thrived in the MCAS orthopaedic triage clinic under a Clinical Specialist’s guidance, advancing my assessment and management of complex lower limb conditions while enhancing my understanding of imaging’s role in care progression. Along side my physiotherapy clinic consisting of lower limb patient’s, I led a lower limb rehab class with dynamometer testing and a TKR class, mentoring juniors, while engaging in foot and ankle MDTs and fracture clinics to boost my skills. This role sharpened my clinical and leadership abilities, delivering top MSK care.I am currently working within the spinal team. Show less