Trainee Plaster Technician

The post holder will work as part of the Plaster Room team providing a high quality Orthopaedic Casting and Bracing service to patients within the Trauma and Orthopaedic service. The role will support fracture clinics, inpatient wards, theatres and the Emergency Department to ensure patients receive safe and effective immobilisation following injury or surgery. This is a developmental post and the successful candidate will undertake a structured training programme to develop the knowledge and skills required to become a qualified Orthopaedic Practitioner. Training and Development The post holder will undertake a structured in-house training programme over approximately 12 months to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in orthopaedic casting and bracing techniques. This training will prepare the post holder to enrol on one of the nationally recognised courses leading to the British Casting Certificate awarded through the British Orthopaedic Association. The aim is for the post holder to successfully complete the course and examination and progress to a qualified Orthopaedic Technician role. The post holder will: • Participate in supervised clinical practice to develop competence in casting and splinting techniques • Maintain a portfolio of competencies and training records • Attend relevant study days and training sessions • Demonstrate continuous professional development in line with departmental requirements Clinical Duties Under supervision, the post holder will: • Assist in the application, removal and adjustment of casts, splints and braces • Prepare materials and equipment required for orthopaedic casting procedures • Assist clinicians during fracture clinics and orthopaedic procedures • Provide reassurance and clear information to patients undergoing casting procedures • Assist with the safe handling and positioning of patients during treatment • Observe and report any concerns regarding circulation, skin integrity or patient discomfort following immobilisation • Maintain safe infection prevention and control practices within the plaster room Service Delivery The post holder will support the delivery of an Orthopaedic Casting and Bracing service across a range of clinical areas including: • Fracture and Orthopaedic Clinics • Inpatient wards • Orthopaedic Theatres • Emergency Department • Podiatry and Physiotherapy departments where appropriate The role will contribute to the smooth running of clinics by ensuring equipment, materials and clinical areas are prepared and maintained to a high standard. Team Working The post holder will work closely with Orthopaedic Consultants, Nursing staff, Orthopaedic Technicians and the wider multidisciplinary team to support patient care. They will: • Communicate effectively with colleagues and patients • Work collaboratively to ensure efficient patient flow through fracture clinics • Support the overall functioning of the plaster room service Service Support Duties The post holder will: • Maintain stock levels of plaster room materials and equipment • Ensure the plaster room environment is clean, safe and organised • Assist with ordering supplies and monitoring stock usage • Ensure equipment is maintained and faults reported appropriately Working Pattern Once the required competencies have been achieved and a satisfactory level of theoretical knowledge and clinical practice demonstrated, the post holder will participate in late shifts and weekend working, initially under supervision, in order to support service delivery. Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will work as part of the Plaster Room team providing a high quality Orthopaedic Casting and Bracing service to patients within the Trauma and Orthopaedic service. The role will support fracture clinics, inpatient wards, theatres and the Emergency Department to ensure patients receive safe and effective immobilisation following injury or surgery. This is a developmental post and the successful candidate will undertake a structured training programme to develop the knowledge and skills required to become a qualified Orthopaedic Practitioner. Training and Development The post holder will undertake a structured in-house training programme over approximately 12 months to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in orthopaedic casting and bracing techniques. This training will prepare the post holder to enrol on one of the nationally recognised courses leading to the British Casting Certificate awarded through the British Orthopaedic Association. The aim is for the post holder to successfully complete the course and examination and progress to a qualified Orthopaedic Technician role. The post holder will: • Participate in supervised clinical practice to develop competence in casting and splinting techniques • Maintain a portfolio of competencies and training records • Attend relevant study days and training sessions • Demonstrate continuous professional development in line with departmental requirements Clinical Duties Under supervision, the post holder will: • Assist in the application, removal and adjustment of casts, splints and braces • Prepare materials and equipment required for orthopaedic casting procedures • Assist clinicians during fracture clinics and orthopaedic procedures • Provide reassurance and clear information to patients undergoing casting procedures • Assist with the safe handling and positioning of patients during treatment • Observe and report any concerns regarding circulation, skin integrity or patient discomfort following immobilisation • Maintain safe infection prevention and control practices within the plaster room Service Delivery The post holder will support the delivery of an Orthopaedic Casting and Bracing service across a range of clinical areas including: • Fracture and Orthopaedic Clinics • Inpatient wards • Orthopaedic Theatres • Emergency Department • Podiatry and Physiotherapy departments where appropriate The role will contribute to the smooth running of clinics by ensuring equipment, materials and clinical areas are prepared and maintained to a high standard. Team Working The post holder will work closely with Orthopaedic Consultants, Nursing staff, Orthopaedic Technicians and the wider multidisciplinary team to support patient care. They will: • Communicate effectively with colleagues and patients • Work collaboratively to ensure efficient patient flow through fracture clinics • Support the overall functioning of the plaster room service Service Support Duties The post holder will: • Maintain stock levels of plaster room materials and equipment • Ensure the plaster room environment is clean, safe and organised • Assist with ordering supplies and monitoring stock usage • Ensure equipment is maintained and faults reported appropriately Working Pattern Once the required competencies have been achieved and a satisfactory level of theoretical knowledge and clinical practice demonstrated, the post holder will participate in late shifts and weekend working, initially under supervision, in order to support service delivery.