South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust
As part of the SWFT Hospital Outpatients Department, the Plaster Room is situated within the Fracture Clinic providing a comprehensive orthopaedic and trauma casting service for the Fracture Clinic, Emergency Department (ED), theatres, therapies and wards.
You will work as a trained and experienced technician within a team of Nurses, Doctors and Allied Health Professionals in providing casting and specialised casting and splint making for patients, liaising with the multi-disciplinary team regarding the most appropriate treatment.
The post holder will be expected to supervise other less experienced staff and communicate effectively with other departments. You will have an educational role and develop competencies and skills for the multi-disciplinary team in application of casting within the expectations of the Outpatient care setting.
The post holder will have a flexible and proactive approach in ensuring the work of the department is carried out to the required high standards and will contribute to service improvement while supporting other clinical work within the outpatient clinics.
Main Duties of the Job
The post holder will work as part of the multidisciplinary team responsible for providing a specialist casting and splinting service while delivering a high standard of patient care.
To be the primary point of contact in the Plaster Room, providing technical and professional support within clinical areas, ensuring that patients are not unduly delayed in the discharge process.
You will foster an innovative and learning environment for Technicians and other multidisciplinary professional staff. It is essential that the post holder continues with their professional development in line with BOA guidelines, facilitates learning, and contributes to the professional development of medical and nursing staff.
The post holder will participate in audits and research as required, undertake administrative duties including stock ordering and control, and assist with the operation of the plaster room services.
The post holder needs to be professionally accountable and work according to the Association of Orthopaedic Practitioners (AOP) and British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) code of professional practice.
Job Responsibilities
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
To hold the BOA British Casting Certificate (BCC) and active registration with the BOA, working within BOA Plaster Room standards.
Carry out casting procedures adhering to BOA and AOP guidelines and standards.
Understand and be confident with different casting techniques, be able to construct supports and appliances using various materials, and measure and fit a range of functional braces.
The selection, application, removal, construction, and maintenance of casts, splints, and braces made of plaster and other materials.
Removal of casts using electric plaster saw, considering individual patient requirements, e.g., anxiety, claustrophobia, and special handling of very young children.
To provide both basic and complex wound care and removal of sutures and clips without supervision, demonstrating a sound knowledge of infection control principles.
Application and modification of customised orthotic bracing and casting, including knee bracing, hand and finger splints, spinal bracing, and hip spicas.
Have the required knowledge of anatomy to ensure correct limb positioning and understand complications that may arise from incorrect techniques.
Have or be willing to undertake a University accredited Mentorship Module / Certificate.
Implement teaching programmes in the department regarding casting, contraindications, and complications.
Develop and maintain plaster application and care competencies for Clinical Support Workers.
To be able to use Insignia X-ray It system and interpret X-Rays.
To be a trainer for other staff in the department and assist in training plaster trainees in preparation for the Stanmore course.
Measurable Result Areas
To assess patients to determine the most appropriate type of cast or splint required.
To ensure safe and appropriate discharge from the department and provide ongoing advice and support to patients.
To coordinate outpatient and inpatient casting requests and undertake application and modification of casts within the ward and theatre environment.
To keep up to date with casting material developments and ensure economic use of resources.
To assist on-call orthopaedic teams with application of casts after fracture manipulation/reduction.
To document fully in the patients' case notes regarding casting details.
To communicate appropriately with healthcare professionals, patients, and carers regarding casting and aftercare.
To attend all mandatory training required by the Trust and participate in the Trust Performance Review Process.
To facilitate appointments for future attendances to the Plaster Room.
To supply and adjust walking aids, slings, and splints as required.
Be responsible for own professional development and develop new skills by attending workshops and conferences.
Communications and Working Relationships
To develop and maintain good working relationships with multidisciplinary teams for effective patient service.
Facilitate patient and carer understanding of care given and potential hazards of wearing a cast.
Act as an effective role model.
To assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualised patient care with the multidisciplinary team.
To assist in the efficient running of the department by prioritising workload daily.
To organise and deploy staff in the Plaster Room according to competencies and workload.
Offer advice and guidance to patients with queries or concerns.
To assist with reporting faults and maintenance of equipment to ensure a safe environment.
To resolve problems for patients/carers and staff at the point of complaint.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Hold the BOA/RCN(SOTN) AOT British Casting Certificate
* Evidence of continuous professional development
* Degree/diploma or equivalent
Experience
* Experience of working in a healthcare environment
* Experience of leading and supervising teams
* Proven competency and experience in applying specialist casts and splints
* Proven competency and experience of basic and complex wound care
* Ability to understand complicated instructions
Skills
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* Demonstrates good clinical knowledge
* Works effectively in a team environment and independently
* Effectively prioritises, plans and manages activities/tasks
* Have the knowledge and skills to mentor junior staff
* Ability to use and keep up-to-date with electronic patient management systems
Personal Qualities
* Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure
* Demonstrates compassion and empathy
* Self-motivated and can motivate others
* Embraces innovation and creativity
* Professional presentation and communication style
* Able to discuss casting issues with all grades of medical staff
* Able to work autonomously or as a team member in a busy environment
* Able to make safe and effective decisions regarding patient treatment
Other
* Able to meet challenging Moving & Handling requirements
* Must be able to work flexible hours
* Able to fit annual leave with other staff
* Be proactive and embrace change
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Job Location
Outpatients Department - Warwick Hospital
Salary
£29,970 to £36,483 per annum; dependent on experience
Contract
Permanent
Working Pattern
Full-time
Reference Number
203-EL877
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