Plaster Technician - Orthopaedic Practitioner

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) seeks a Band 5 Orthopaedic Plaster Technician to provide a specialist plaster service in Fracture Clinic. You will assess, apply, modify and remove casts and splints, working autonomously within scope, and supporting patient safety through skin and neurovascular checks.

You will contribute to efficient clinic flow, reduce delays, and support a multidisciplinary team, with ongoing CPD and governance activities to maintain plaster competencies.

Qualifications

• Relevant orthopaedic/plaster technician qualification or equivalent recognised training.
• Evidence of competency in plastering, casting and splinting.
• Commitment to maintaining competencies and undertaking relevant CPD.
• Experience working within an orthopaedic plaster room or similar clinical environment.
• Experience applying, modifying and removing plaster/synthetic casts and splints.
• Experience recognising and escalating plaster-related complications.
• Experience working autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist orthopaedic plaster service within Fracture Clinic.
• Support assessment, application, modification and removal of casts, splints and immobilisation devices.
• Work autonomously within scope of competence, ensuring safe, effective procedures.
• Contribute to patient safety through skin and neurovascular assessment.
• Assist with clinic capacity, patient flow, and waiting-list management.
• Support governance, audit, quality improvement, and plaster competency maintenance.

Skills

Plastering and casting

Patient safety and skin assessment

Neurovascular assessment

CPD commitment

Autonomous working

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Clinical documentation/IT systems

Education

Orthopaedic/plaster technician qualification or equivalent

Job description

The Band 5 Orthopaedic Plaster Technician will provide a specialist orthopaedic technical service within Fracture Clinic, supporting the assessment, application, modification and removal of a range of casts, splints and other immobilisation devices. The post holder will work autonomously within their scope of competence, ensuring procedures are undertaken safely, effectively and in accordance with relevant clinical standards and Trust policies. The role will support the efficient delivery of Fracture Clinic activity by providing dedicated plaster expertise, reducing delays to patient treatment and releasing medical and nursing staff to focus on clinical assessment and patient care. The post holder will contribute to maintaining patient safety through appropriate cast application, skin and neurovascular assessment, patient education and escalation of any concerns. The post will also support clinic capacity, patient flow, waiting-list management and operational performance, while providing specialist advice and support to the wider multidisciplinary team. The role will contribute to clinical governance, audit, quality improvement and maintaining plaster competencies within the service.

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we're proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other. As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone. Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone. What is a DBS Check? A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role: Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings. Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police that's considered relevant to the role. Enhanced with BarredLists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the children's and/or adults' barred lists. Who Needs a DBS Check Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role. The Costs for a DBS At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred. For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december. DBS Update Service Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Experience

• Relevant orthopaedic/plaster technician qualification or equivalent recognised training.
• Evidence of competency in plastering, casting and splinting.
• Commitment to maintaining competencies and undertaking relevant CPD.
• Experience working within an orthopaedic plaster room or similar clinical environment.
• Experience applying, modifying and removing plaster/synthetic casts and splints.
• Experience recognising and escalating plaster-related complications.
• Experience working autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Knowledge & Skills

• Specialist knowledge of plastering, casting and splinting techniques.
• Understanding of patient safety, infection prevention and clinical governance.
• Ability to assess skin integrity and neurovascular status and identify complications.
• Good communication and patient education skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate clinical records and use relevant IT systems.
• Ability to prioritise workload and work effectively under pressure.

Personal Attributes

• Patient-centred, compassionate and professional approach.
• Reliable, organised and flexible.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to quality improvement, continuous learning and safe practice.

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.

Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients. You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives. At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions. Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you'll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the 'Documents to download'heading. Explore 'Inside MFT - Your Candidate Place' To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to exploreInside MFT - Your Candidate Place. This welcoming one-stop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. You'll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.