Job responsibilities
CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
To take responsibility for a varied and diverse group of patients, being responsible for assessing, planning and implementing care in the various clinical settings. The post holder will have overall responsibility for delivery of casting service provided. This will include management and delivery of the service as well as a high degree of clinical involvement. The post holder will be expected to manage and consult on the most complex cases.
To have extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology and be able to interpret x-rays to enable cast application.
To ensure that patients with casts or splints can mobilise safely, referring them to the physiotherapist as appropriate.
To assist in the running of clinics as required i.e. chaperoning.
To carry out procedures in accordance with HSC policy and undertake more complex procedures as required i.e. scoliosis jackets and hip spicas in Theatre.
To maintain the equipment used within the Plaster Room and Fracture Clinic.
To be able to deliver safe and effective wound care to patients and have an extensive knowledge of appropriate dressing regimes. In addition ensuring that wounds/skin under plaster cast is monitored and if any signs of infection present that this is escalated appropriately.
To remove k.wires and external fixators at the request of the clinician after appropriate training.
To make recommendations through experience and knowledge working in conjunction with the clinical team to deliver solutions to those patients with new injuries who may have other conditions i.e. paraplegia, chair/bed bound, who need to be managed outside normal parameters to meet their individual requirements.
To lead in new casting diabetic service provided on a weekly basis.
To provide wound care/removal of clips/sutures.
To be able to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the evidence based care for patients with an external fixator and/pin sites.
To ensure patient privacy and dignity is maintained during treatment as per HSC policy.
To carry out observations, weight, height, clinical duties.
To comply with HSC infection control policies and conduct him/her at all times in such a manner as to minimise the risk of healthcare associated infection.
To lead and guide general nurses on plastering and splinting policies and procedures which are evidence based.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION:
To be speciality initiate, develop and deliver education and training programmes to a varied range of staff, including doctors, nurses and other health care professionals/students. Producing and using various teaching mediums incorporating visual presentations utilising software programmes to practical hands on demonstrations and teaching observations, from small groups to delivery at conference level.
To act as a role model, educator and mentor, supporting members of the casting team in the development of their clinical and interpersonal skills through regular team briefing and practical workshops/teaching training sessions.
To ensure skills and knowledge are updated in line with professional/national developments and the requirements of the job.
LEADERSHIP/MANAGERIAL:
To act upon any complaints received in the appropriate manner to resolve at source or take appropriate action as per HSC policy.
To report appropriately incident/accident involving staff, patients or visitors.
To participate in the monitoring and control of the use of resources within budgetary limits.
To assist in managing the allocated orthopaedic budget alongside the unit manager.
To be responsible for cleaning and restocking of the Plaster Room, ED plaster trolley, ensuring the environment complies with Health & safety legislation and HSC policy.
To assist the Operational Manager and Fracture Clinic manager in working with Procurement regarding setting up tenders/orders.
To assist in the control and procurement of stores and orthotic devices required within the department.
To liaise with other health care professionals to develop, promote and endorse new policies and procedures.
To meet with company representatives, review, test and evaluate new products and materials, within the bounds of budgetary constraints procure as required to maintain/enhance care delivery.
To undertake sickness management reviews following the current HSC policy.
To undertake personal development reviews for any trainee Plaster Technicians.
To ensure skills and knowledge are updated in line with professional/national developments and the requirements of the job.
To advise on the purchasing of cost effective plastering/splinting equipment on each purchase order. Monitoring the Orthopaedic allocated budget and reviewing cost effectiveness on expensive items like boots, splints and casting materials.
To have management responsibility daily for any new learner or established staff who are not qualified plaster technicians working within the plaster room.
COMMUNICATION:
To take the lead in daily departmental briefings/debriefing recording the outcomes and dealing with current issues appropriately.
To manage, plan and lead the plaster room daily workload with consideration for the ward demands, PCC, students and learners.
To be responsible for documentation of all casting room activity and procedures undertaken.
To ensure written and verbal instructions are given to all patients following the application of a cast or splint.
To give telephone advice to patients regarding their treatment, knowing when to seek assistance if unable to advise competently.
To advise on the promotion of health and prevention of illness, communicating effectively with patients, relatives and cares, and ensuring that their educational needs are met.
To provide aids, slings and splints as required and ensure patients are educated in their use and safe prior to leaving the department.
To attend daily trauma meetings. Starting January - virtual clinic.
To liaise with Community staff re- treatment options and use of medical devices, and to provide advice guidance and support should complications arise.
To communicate with other disciplines within acute hospital setting re- available treatment options and to provide them with guidance and advice on various casting/splinting issues.
AUDIT/INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/RESEARCH ACTIVITY:
To assist with recording and evaluation of care given through a system of clinical audit.
To conduct and lead audit projects as and when required related to casting provision, service delivery and maintenance of standards.
To work alongside the Health & Safety Officer, ensuring the Department risk and fire assessments are up to date.
