Static Virtual Fracture Clinic Practitioner

Looking for something a little different?

Maybe a new challenge or a different aspect and perspective to your current role?

You will get experience of working within the acute management of simple fractures and be welcomed into our small, dynamic, friendly team.

The current service is run by physiotherapists, but is part of the orthopaedics trauma pathway, we work closely with the orthopaedic consultants and the Emergency Department team.

VFC is mainly a triage and advice service that manages simple acute peripheral fractures in adult and children.

We have a daily ward round with one of the orthopaedic consultant and use a digital system called e trauma. We are mainly based at Worthing Hospital but also cover St Richards Hospital and there is some scope for home working. There will at times be a need to attend either site, this is once a fortnight and for example for meetings or to lead teaching sessions.

Patients are referred to the VFC from the Emergency Department and Minor Injuries Unit. We also receive some referrals from GPs or other hospitals.

Normal working hours are 8.30 - 16.30 Monday to Friday

As a member of the Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) team you will virtually assess, treat, and clinically manage patients with acute musculoskeletal injuries, mainly simple fractures post emergency department review.

Your main role will be within the VFC; you will work with the team to manage and prioritise the clinical caseload, triage and assess patients over the telephone and provide treatment and advice in line with VFC guidelines.

The role includes supervising junior members of staff and students, initiating and participating in evidence-based projects, and contributing to the in-service training programme.

Worthing hospital is currently the base for this job but there you will be expected to work at St Richards hospital approximately once every 2 weeks. You may at times be asked to work at different hospital sites or from home for short periods of time.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

As an autonomous practitioner, to assess and treat a specialist caseload of Orthopaedic patients, who may have complex presentations or complications, without direct supervision from senior staff.

To work alongside Orthopaedic Consultants, Advanced Clinical Practitioners, other members of the VFC team and the wider MDT.

To seek assistance when/where necessary and understand own professional limitations.

To prioritise referrals according to clinical need.

Maintain contemporaneous written and digital records to trust standards of all clinical observations and interventions.

Hold working knowledge of all systems used relating to management of patients. This includes; VFC digital solution (currently Etruama), Careflow, Bluespier, Evolve, Affinity, Sectra and responsibility for learning new systems, as these are developed.

To use advanced clinical reasoning skills to provide specialist support and advice to the A&E team and other professionals / medical staff.

To provide a strong link between emergency, outpatient and inpatient services.

To assess, fit and evaluate orthotic devices including boots, braces, slings etc as required with appropriate training

Select appropriate and individual treatment pathways e.g. onward referral to Physiotherapy, consultant led clinics etc following VFC management guidelines

To work alongside and support Band 7s and team leads in the planning and organisation of the team’s activities and programmes.

To be responsible for teaching, supervision and appraisal of recently qualified members of the team and undergraduate students, and be involved in the teaching of MDT staff.

To adhere to Departmental protocols, Trust policies your professional