Trainee Assistant Plaster Technician

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and compassionate Assistant Plaster Technician to join our busy Fracture Clinic. You will support the delivery of high-quality care for patients attending with fractures, orthopaedic injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Working alongside Plaster Technicians, Nurses, Orthopaedic Practitioners, and the wider multidisciplinary team, you will help ensure safe, effective, and efficient patient flow through the clinic.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on clinical work, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is committed to excellent patient experience.

What We Offer

• Full training and development, including plaster room competencies.
• Opportunities for progression within Orthopaedics and Outpatients.
• A supportive team environment committed to high-quality patient care.
• Access to NHS benefits, staff wellbeing programmes, and learning platforms.

Main duties of the job

• Assist in the application, removal, and adjustment of plaster casts, splints, braces, and other immobilisation devices under supervision.
• Support senior colleagues in delivering care for patients with acute and followup fractures.
• Prepare materials, equipment, and treatment rooms for casting procedures.
• Provide patients and carers with clear instructions on cast care, mobility, and followup arrangements.
• Ensure infection prevention and control standards are followed at all times.
• Maintain equipment, restock materials, and support general clinic operations.
• Assist with administrative duties including patient documentation and clinic flow.
• Work collaboratively with clinicians, senior technicians, and allied health professionals to ensure a smooth and patientcentred service.

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave—a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Duties and responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Assist in the safe application, removal, and adjustment of plaster casts, splints, and other orthopaedic appliances, in line with training and competency development.
• Provide wound care—including cleaning, dressing, and monitoring as well as removal of sutures/clips/wires in accordance with Trust policies and infection prevention standards—escalating any concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Provide support to Virtual Fracture Clinics as needed and under the supervision of qualified staff.
• Offer clear verbal and written advice to patients and carers regarding cast care, splint maintenance, wound care, and the safe use of walking aids.
• Provide both emotional and practical support to patients and carers, including children, across outpatient, fracture clinic, orthopaedic, and congenital services.
• Attend inpatient wards to treat patients who are unable to attend the clinic.
• Support qualified plaster technicians in the application of specialist casts in theatre following surgical procedures.
• Willing and able to work across a variety of settings and clinical areas.
• Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation, both electronic and written, under appropriate supervision.
• Provide telephone advice to patients, escalating queries to qualified plaster technicians where necessary.
• For Full details please see attached Job description.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above
• Continuous Professional learning (CPD) or further training certificates

Desirable

• NVQ Level 3 qualification in a relevant human science, such as Biology, Human Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Sports Science, or Health & Social Care, demonstrating foundational understanding of anatomy and physiology.

Experience

Essential

• Experience working in a patient/customer-facing
• Experience working as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with wound care, dressings or basic clinical procedure

Desirable

• Experience supporting vulnerable individuals (e.g. children, elderly or those in distress)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Address

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

Harlow

Essex

CM20 1QX

Employer's website

https://www.pah.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)