Qualified Plaster Technician

Job Overview University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Job Title: Qualified Plaster Technician

Contract Type: Permanent

Main duties of the job

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Plaster Technician, holding an up to date BOA registration and British Casting Certificate, to join the team at UHS. We deliver high quality, patient centred care for both paediatric and adult patients.

We are a Major Trauma Centre, so we treat a diverse range of patients with varying needs. As part of the team, you will apply casts to both trauma patients and those following the elective pathway. You will also be trained to carry out wound care for patient's with post operative or traumatic wounds.

You will work across 2 sites, the main Southampton General Hospital and the Royal South Hants Hospital. Clinics are held at both sites and you will treat patients within the Orthopaedic wards, applying casts to both adults and children. You will also work within the A+E department and theatres when the need arises.

The team are also involved in training and education of staff and students and they work closely with Consultants, Registrar's, Nursing staff and other Allied Professionals.

You will need to have excellent communications skills, enjoy working in a fast paced environment, and be able to assess and meet patient's needs, whilst working as part of a small team. You will work under a Band 5 Senior Plaster Technician and along side the nursing team on wards and in the Outpatient settings. Your role is essential to the safe and effective management of Orthopaedic conditions and fractures.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

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Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out routine and specialist casting including plaster jackets, cast bracing, hip spica's, functional bracing and splinting.

Technicians also independently manage K-wire removal, clip and suture removal and wound care. If you are not already competent in these skills, you will be taught.

You must hold a British Casting Certificate and have an up to date registration with the BOA.

You will be expected to educate and inform patients on all aspects of caring for their cast and offer in person and telephone support to this patient group. You must be able to complete thorough documentation both on cast forms and in the patients on line notes. You will provide emotional and practical support for patients being treated in cast.

You will be expected to advocate for your patient and also advice other clinical staff on the suitability of specific casts.

A driving license if preferable but not essential, as sometimes you will have to 'cross-sites' at short notice. Your working days will be Monday to Friday.

As a plaster technician you will have the Trust Values at the heart of your practice. You will also be responsible for keeping up your professional development and training.

Person specification

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience Essential criteria

• British Casting qualification
• Previous experience of working in a hospital and clinical environment

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working in an Outpatient or A&E setting

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Working Together
• Always Improving