Job summary
Our vision is to provide the best care possible. We are committed to looking after people, both patients and staff.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Senior Orthopaedic Plaster Technician to join our experienced and dynamic Outpatient team within the Orthopaedic clinic at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The Senior Orthopaedic Plaster technician will actively work alongside other practitioners in the Orthopaedic team to provide a high quality, efficient and effective orthopaedic and trauma care to patients in the Plaster Room, Theatres, and the Emergency department.
The post holder will assume the responsibility for the clinical and managerial leadership of the plaster technicians and support staff within the Orthopaedic Plaster rooms and the Plastering service across Blackpool Teaching Hospitals. The post holder will be responsible for all delegated aspects of healthcare delivery, working within their scope of practice as a registered practitioner. They will work within relevant legal and ethical frameworks and in accordance with organisational protocols and policies. The Orthopaedic Practitioner will be proficient, knowledgeable, and competent in casting and splinting. They will hold a current British Orthopaedic Association Casting Certificate and they will continue to develop in their role through the acquisition of further skills, knowledge, and competences, to be determined by the needs of patients, the service, and the team.
Main duties of the job
JOB SUMMARY/ PURPOSE
The post holder will provide clinical and managerial leadership for the plaster technicians and support staff within the Orthopaedic Plaster rooms and the Plastering service across Blackpool Teaching Hospitals.
They will ensure systems are in place to provide the continuity of safe effective care for patients requiring plastering services at all times.
Working as a core member of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to provide a patient centred casting service. To advise and support the patient and their family according to their specific needs.
The post holder will be involved in all aspects of care of patients in plaster and will apply and remove a wide range of plaster casts without direct supervision.
As part of the fracture clinic, demonstrate high standards of expertise in casting techniques for both adults and children and to provide technical and professional support in clinical areas and on the wards.
In addition to Orthopaedic outpatients, we provide a support for Podiatry, Theatres, Wards, ED ,as well as direct referrals from other directorates that require casting treatments.
They will take a active role in risk assessment, supporting implementation of strategies to minimise risk. Ensuring incidents and near misses are reported through promoting a no blame culture.
About us
Working for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will provide you with lots of opportunity to develop your skills and further your career. The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre and North Lancashire.
As a Trust we are committed to:
- Developing new roles and ways of working to ensure a flexible and innovative approach to staff.
- Real equality of opportunity.
- Continual development and learning for staff.
- Achieving a work life balance.
We are committed to the effective recruitment, retention and development for our employees, which is why we offer a great working environment, an attractive range of benefits and excellent opportunities for training and development.
The Trust is accredited as a disability Confident employer. That means we recognise our obligations to ensure people with disabilities are afforded equal opportunity to enter employment and progress if and where possible
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY DUTIES
- Set and maintain an excellent standard of patient care, be aware of the broader understanding of patient health and promote health care education. Educate patients concerning their after-care, especially potential problems associated with casting.
- In conjunction with the Outpatient Department Manager ensure management of the plaster services and efficient deployment of staff according to service needs.
- Apply casts and splints as prescribed by a registered practitioner.
- Act as a role model for the development of clinical skills and knowledge within the service.
- Communicate and co-operate with all members of the multidisciplinary team and work closely with all staff of relevant departments to ensure effective liaison.
- Plan the workload and activity of self and others to ensure effective and efficient utilisation of resources on a daily basis. Promote team working.
- Maintain complete, accurate and legible records of all agreed and legal documentation as appropriate.
- Be aware of current advances in casting care and contribute towards changes in practice as appropriate.
- Provide training to all grades of staff in safe casting techniques.
- Ensure all instruments and equipment are maintained in good order and the Plaster Room is kept clean and tidy.
- Assess patients in order to supply, adjust and fit various orthotic splints and braces.
- Undertake wound care and the application of uncomplicated dressings using aseptic technique prior to casting.
- Removal of sutures and clips from post-surgical wounds and recognise symptoms of wound infections or inflammation and report to a Registered Nurse as appropriate.
- To escalate tothe Orthopaedic team and Outpatient Senior nursing team any concern with wounds or skin following cast removal.
- Removal of K-wires from both children and adults.
- Act as a mentor for trainee plaster technicians and other students within the department.
- Act as a role model for the plaster room, maintaining professionalism at all times.
- Liaise with podiatry as required to assist/support with complex casting requirements including Total Contact Casting.
- Provide a casting support to CDC for conditions such as Congenital Talipes, Equinovarus using the Ponseti technique.
- Ensure stock levels are maintained and order stock when appropriate.
- Support the running of clinics when required.
- Participate in medicines management under the direct instruction and supervision of registered nurses.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide advice pertaining to fracture and casting management. This includes condition related information for patients and carers. This relates to adults, vulnerable adults, the elderly and children.
- Accept direct referrals for plaster casting treatment from other disciplines, and refer patients to consultant medical staff as required.
- Participate in case discussion with the wider clinical team including medical staff and make recommendations regarding casting treatment of patients to ensure best service provision in this patient group.
- Communicate with other departments within the hospital setting, regarding available treatment options and to provide them with guidance and advice on various casting/splinting issues/complications.
- Interpret x-rays and advise clinical staff on effective casting or limb treatment options.
- Apply reasonable force to act in positive manner to move, improve, hold or maintain various fractures in conjunction with the Clinician/Consultant.
- Advise patients on potential complications of casting and how to contact the department.
- Make recommendations to the clinical team to deliver solutions for patients presenting with new injuries who may have other conditions requiring management outside normal parameters.
- Recognise complications associated with casting, splinting and bracing such as compartment syndrome, and take appropriate remedial action.
- Triage patients with cast problems and deal with or refer as appropriate.
- To work with ED staff and theatre staff during manipulation of fractures by maintaining positions and immobilisation through the application of casts.
- Apply complex casts such as hip spicas and wedged casts where needed.
- To participate in the orientation, education, training and supervision of staff and participate in the development of teaching packages and competencies to support staff development.
- High degree of precision and coordination in delivery of clinical procedures
- Take every reasonable opportunity to maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence, including attendance at study days and workshops as appropriate.
- Report all risk incidents, hazards and accidents to the Outpatient Department Manager and relevant department and add to the PSIRF system as appropriate.
- Contribute to the continuous development of processes or procedures including developing standard operating procedures where appropriate.
- Identify QEP opportunities for the Outpatient and Orthopaedic Divisions
- Undertake training with other departments within the hospital for example Wards/ED.
MANAGERIAL
- Responsible for staff rostering, ensuring adequate skill mix and cover across all sites.
- Manage staff annual leave following an equitable and fair system.
- Manage staff sickness in conjunction with HR and Matron
- Ensure both self and team members achieve annual mandatory training requirements.
- Ensure all plaster room staff have an individual performance development plan and complete annual appraisals.
- Be aware of the importance of complaints process within the organisation; take action to prevent formal complaints by excellent communication within the department. Maybe involved in responding to written complaints
- Ensure and maintain records of all plaster technicians BOA Casting Certification working within the organisation.
- Hold regular staff meetings and facilitate communication within the Plaster Room team.
- Involvement in routine audits
- Produce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) when required within the department
Job description
Job responsibilities
KEY DUTIES
- Set and maintain an excellent standard of patient care, be aware of the broader understanding of patient health and promote health care education. Educate patients concerning their after-care, especially potential problems associated with casting.
- In conjunction with the Outpatient Department Manager ensure management of the plaster services and efficient deployment of staff according to service needs.
- Apply casts and splints as prescribed by a registered practitioner.
- Act as a role model for the development of clinical skills and knowledge within the service.
- Communicate and co-operate with all members of the multidisciplinary team and work closely with all staff of relevant departments to ensure effective liaison.
- Plan the workload and activity of self and others to ensure effective and efficient utilisation of resources on a daily basis. Promote team working.
- Maintain complete, accurate and legible records of all agreed and legal documentation as appropriate.
- Be aware of current advances in casting care and contribute towards changes in practice as appropriate.
- Provide training to all grades of staff in safe casting techniques.
- Ensure all instruments and equipment are maintained in good order and the Plaster Room is kept clean and tidy.
- Assess patients in order to supply, adjust and fit various orthotic splints and braces.
- Undertake wound care and the application of uncomplicated dressings using aseptic technique prior to casting.
- Removal of sutures and clips from post-surgical wounds and recognise symptoms of wound infections or inflammation and report to a Registered Nurse as appropriate.
- To escalate tothe Orthopaedic team and Outpatient Senior nursing team any concern with wounds or skin following cast removal.
- Removal of K-wires from both children and adults.
- Act as a mentor for trainee plaster technicians and other students within the department.
- Act as a role model for the plaster room, maintaining professionalism at all times.
- Liaise with podiatry as required to assist/support with complex casting requirements including Total Contact Casting.
- Provide a casting support to CDC for conditions such as Congenital Talipes, Equinovarus using the Ponseti technique.
- Ensure stock levels are maintained and order stock when appropriate.
- Support the running of clinics when required.
- Participate in medicines management under the direct instruction and supervision of registered nurses.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide advice pertaining to fracture and casting management. This includes condition related information for patients and carers. This relates to adults, vulnerable adults, the elderly and children.
- Accept direct referrals for plaster casting treatment from other disciplines, and refer patients to consultant medical staff as required.
- Participate in case discussion with the wider clinical team including medical staff and make recommendations regarding casting treatment of patients to ensure best service provision in this patient group.
- Communicate with other departments within the hospital setting, regarding available treatment options and to provide them with guidance and advice on various casting/splinting issues/complications.
- Interpret x-rays and advise clinical staff on effective casting or limb treatment options.
- Apply reasonable force to act in positive manner to move, improve, hold or maintain various fractures in conjunction with the Clinician/Consultant.
- Advise patients on potential complications of casting and how to contact the department.
- Make recommendations to the clinical team to deliver solutions for patients presenting with new injuries who may have other conditions requiring management outside normal parameters.
- Recognise complications associated with casting, splinting and bracing such as compartment syndrome, and take appropriate remedial action.
- Triage patients with cast problems and deal with or refer as appropriate.
- To work with ED staff and theatre staff during manipulation of fractures by maintaining positions and immobilisation through the application of casts.
- Apply complex casts such as hip spicas and wedged casts where needed.
- To participate in the orientation, education, training and supervision of staff and participate in the development of teaching packages and competencies to support staff development.
- High degree of precision and coordination in delivery of clinical procedures
- Take every reasonable opportunity to maintain and improve professional knowledge and competence, including attendance at study days and workshops as appropriate.
- Report all risk incidents, hazards and accidents to the Outpatient Department Manager and relevant department and add to the PSIRF system as appropriate.
- Contribute to the continuous development of processes or procedures including developing standard operating procedures where appropriate.
- Identify QEP opportunities for the Outpatient and Orthopaedic Divisions
- Undertake training with other departments within the hospital for example Wards/ED.
MANAGERIAL
- Responsible for staff rostering, ensuring adequate skill mix and cover across all sites.
- Manage staff annual leave following an equitable and fair system.
- Manage staff sickness in conjunction with HR and Matron
- Ensure both self and team members achieve annual mandatory training requirements.
- Ensure all plaster room staff have an individual performance development plan and complete annual appraisals.
- Be aware of the importance of complaints process within the organisation; take action to prevent formal complaints by excellent communication within the department. Maybe involved in responding to written complaints
- Ensure and maintain records of all plaster technicians BOA Casting Certification working within the organisation.
- Hold regular staff meetings and facilitate communication within the Plaster Room team.
- Involvement in routine audits
- Produce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) when required within the department
Person Specification
Education, Training and Qualification
Essential
- oBritish Orthopaedic Association Casting Certificate (BOA)
- oPrevious post registration experience minimum of 2 years
- oDiploma/qualification in specialist area
- oFull UK driving license
Desirable
- oDiabetic foot casting experience
- oTissue viability course/wound care course/competency
- oLeadership experience
- oTeaching and assessing qualification.
Experience and Knowledeg required
Essential
- oEvidence of Continuing Professional Development
- oEvidence of achievements and career development in current post and of ongoing professional development
- oCarry out wound care assessment, dressings/including redressing and documentation
- oRemoval of sutures and clips
Desirable
- oAudit / research experience
- oExperience of change management.
- oRemoval of K-wires
Skills and attributes
Essential
- oHighly developed clinical skills and knowledge of casting within orthopaedics
- oGood IT skills
- oAbility to set and establish priorities.
- oTeam leadership qualities.
- oDecision maker
- oAbility to demonstrate motivation, reliability and commitment to team working and team development.
- oVision and enthusiasm to develop the service
Desirable
- oExcellent communication and interpersonal skills
- oAbility to manage and prioritise work effectively
- oAbility to work under pressure.
- oAbility to handle difficult situations
- oFlexible & adaptable
- oInfluencing skills.
- oDelegation skills
- oProblem solver
Person Specification
Education, Training and Qualification
Essential
- oBritish Orthopaedic Association Casting Certificate (BOA)
- oPrevious post registration experience minimum of 2 years
- oDiploma/qualification in specialist area
- oFull UK driving license
Desirable
- oDiabetic foot casting experience
- oTissue viability course/wound care course/competency
- oLeadership experience
- oTeaching and assessing qualification.
Experience and Knowledeg required
Essential
- oEvidence of Continuing Professional Development
- oEvidence of achievements and career development in current post and of ongoing professional development
- oCarry out wound care assessment, dressings/including redressing and documentation
- oRemoval of sutures and clips
Desirable
- oAudit / research experience
- oExperience of change management.
- oRemoval of K-wires
Skills and attributes
Essential
- oHighly developed clinical skills and knowledge of casting within orthopaedics
- oGood IT skills
- oAbility to set and establish priorities.
- oTeam leadership qualities.
- oDecision maker
- oAbility to demonstrate motivation, reliability and commitment to team working and team development.
- oVision and enthusiasm to develop the service
Desirable
- oExcellent communication and interpersonal skills
- oAbility to manage and prioritise work effectively
- oAbility to work under pressure.
- oAbility to handle difficult situations
- oFlexible & adaptable
- oInfluencing skills.
- oDelegation skills
- oProblem solver
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
