Lead Orthopaedic Practitioner (Lead Plaster Technician)

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Hove; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare trust in England is looking for a Lead Orthopaedic Practitioner. The role includes supervising Orthopaedic Technicians and ensuring the smooth operation of clinics across multiple sites. Candidates must have the British Orthopaedic Association Casting Certificate and demonstrate commitment to patient care and professional development. This full-time position offers a supportive working environment, with flexible working options available. Suitable applicants may also be eligible for visa sponsorship.

Benefits

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Supportive working environment

Health and wellbeing support network

Qualifications

• Proficiency in applying, removing, and managing casting materials.
• Experience in supervising Orthopaedic Technicians.
• Commitment to patient care and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the smooth running of consultant and practitioner-led clinics.
• Support the Orthopaedic team with outpatient care.
• Provide high-quality services during clinics.

Skills

Knowledge of casting materials

Team supervision

Patient care

Education

British Orthopaedic Association Casting Certificate

Job description

Job Overview

Lead Orthopaedic Practitioner – working primarily within the Orthopaedic outpatients department across multiple sites. You will have direct responsibility for the proficient application, removal and management of casting materials across three sites.

As the Lead Orthopaedic Practitioner you will supervise Orthopaedic Technicians, support the team, and ensure patients receive a professional, efficient and compassionate service.

Full‑time schedule: Monday – Friday 08:30 – 17:30, with part‑time consideration. You will be based mainly at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, a Major Trauma Centre, but you will cross‑site as required.

Main Responsibilities

The role requires you to assist with the smooth running of clinics, support the Orthopaedic team with outpatient care, and provide outstanding patient care.

• Assist with the smooth running of clinics – consultant‑led and practitioner‑led clinics.
• Virtual Fracture and Virtual Hand Fracture Clinics.
• Ensure Orthopaedic inpatients have access to plaster services.
• Support the competency‑based training of the Orthopaedic Practitioner team, including health and wellbeing.
• Support improvement projects using your skills and knowledge as required.

Benefits and Development

Access to ongoing training and continual professional development opportunities.

Best work/life balance – supportive and flexible working environment.

Health and wellbeing support network – discounts with local business and hospitality.

Opportunity to develop new skills and manage your own wound clinics.

Grow confidence working as part of a team while maintaining autonomy planning care for patients seen in nurse‑led wound clinics.

Working for our Organisation

UHSussex is a diverse and inclusive university trust. We treat our patients and staff with compassion, empathy and a patient‑first mindset. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We value learning, teaching and training and will help you grow throughout your career.

Visa Sponsorship and Equality

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship is only provided where the applicant meets the specific requirements set by UKVI.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion – evidence of championing diversity and undertaking equalities training is required.

Qualifications and Experience

• British Orthopaedic Association Casting Certificate (including Glasgow Caledonian University Diploma or BOANC diploma).
• Evidence of own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
• Evidence of championing diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Important Information for Applicants

We strongly discourage the use of AI tools in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice and experiences.

If you are applying using a Graduate visa, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

Applications that rely heavily on AI‑generated content may be rejected to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.

Flexible Working and DBS Checks

Flexible working options can be explored with the appropriate recruiting line manager.

Disclosure and Barring Service checks are undertaken for all new employees where the role is eligible.

Skilled Worker Visa

Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for roles that meet the eligibility criteria. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet these criteria.

Application Notes

Some adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to secure the opportunity.

Closing and Early Advert Closure

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if a high volume of applications is received.

Closing Adverts Early

In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.