Orthopaedic Practitioner Plaster Technician(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

University Hospitals Sussex is offering an excellent opportunity for a skilled and motivated Orthopaedic Practitioner (Plaster Technician) to join our Orthopaedic team.

The post is primarily based within the outpatient fracture service, where you will play a key role in delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care to patients requiring casting and immobilisation. This position involves working across multiple Trust sites to ensure consistent plaster services are available wherever patients receive orthopaedic care.

The role is full time, typically Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 17:30, with flexibility to consider part-time arrangements.

Service Locations

Although your main base will be the Royal Sussex County Hospital—the Major Trauma Centre for the Sussex Trauma Network—you will also support services at:

• The Louisa Martindale Building Fracture Clinic (opened 2023)
• Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Brighton
• Sussex Orthopaedic Treatment Centre Outpatients, Princess Royal Hospital (Haywards Heath)
• Working across sites helps maintain continuity of plaster services for both outpatient and inpatient pathways.

Purpose of the Role

The Orthopaedic Practitioner is responsible for the skilled application, adjustment, and removal of a wide range of casting and immobilisation techniques. You will support fracture clinics and ensure timely access to plaster services for orthopaedic inpatients while contributing to a positive patient experience.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Duties

• Apply, adjust, and remove casts and other orthopaedic immobilisation devices
• Support fracture clinics and practitioner-led plaster room sessions
• Ensure inpatients receive prompt access to plaster services
• Deliver safe, patient-centred care in line with best practice
• Maintain accurate documentation of treatments and interventions

Service Delivery

• Work both independently and as part of the multidisciplinary orthopaedic team
• Assist in the smooth running of clinics requiring plaster room input
• Participate in competency-based training relevant to advanced casting techniques
• Support continuous improvement and service development initiatives

Professional Practice

• Maintain high standards of infection prevention, patient safety, and clinical governance
• Contribute to a respectful and supportive working environment
• Engage in ongoing learning and professional development
• Orthopaedic support roles operate within national clinical governance and patient safety frameworks across NHS services.
• NHS Patient Safety Strategy

Working Environment and Development

University Hospitals Sussex is a university Trust with a strong focus on learning, research, and innovation. Staff are supported from the start of their employment through structured training, mentorship, and career development opportunities.

We are also committed to delivering environmentally sustainable healthcare through national NHS initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

Delivering a Net Zero NHS

Employees benefit from:

• Ongoing training and CPD opportunities
• Supportive and flexible working culture
• Health and wellbeing programmes
• Staff networks promoting inclusion and diversity
• Opportunities to develop new clinical skills and run practitioner-led clinics

About University Hospitals Sussex

At UHSussex, inclusion and respect are central to how we work. We value diverse perspectives and aim to create an environment where every colleague feels supported and able to thrive. As a Disability Confident and Veteran Aware organisation, we actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds.

Our focus is simple: putting patients first while caring for our staff with the same compassion we show those we serve.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• British Orthopaedic Association Casting Certificate, Glasgow Caledonian University Diploma, or BOA/BOANC equivalent with casting experience
• At least 18 months’ experience working as a plaster technician within UK healthcare
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusive practice
• Ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team
• Guidance on professional standards for healthcare support roles is available via NHS workforce resources.
• NHS Careers – Allied Health and Support Roles

Desirable

• Experience with Total Contact Casting
• Experience supporting practitioner-led clinics
• Previous involvement in service improvement or teaching

Safeguarding and Pre-Employment Checks

• This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in accordance with safeguarding requirements.
• Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance
• Applicants from overseas may be required to provide criminal record certificates for countries where they have lived.
• Criminal Records Checks for Overseas Applicants

Right to Work and Visa Sponsorship

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the required skill, salary, and eligibility criteria.

Skilled Worker Visa Overview

Applicants currently on a Graduate visa should normally have sufficient time remaining on their visa at the point of application.

Why Join UHSussex?

Joining UHSussex means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation that invests in its people, promotes innovation, and encourages long-term career development. You will have the opportunity to build confidence, expand your technical skills, and make a real difference to patients receiving orthopaedic care across Sussex.