Orthopaedics Extended Scope Practitioner

Orthopaedics Extended Scope Practitioner

The closing date is 10 July 2026

We are seeking a motivated and forward‑thinking Extended Scope Practitioner to join our innovative Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) team. This developmental role offers a structured pathway from Band 6 to Band 7 once agreed competencies are achieved, supported by senior clinicians and service leads. You will play a pivotal role in delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care, managing acute and follow‑up fracture cases virtually, and working closely with orthopaedic consultants, plaster technicians, and nursing staff to ensure safe, efficient, and evidence‑based management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Virtual Fracture Clinics, ensuring smooth running, gap identification, and optimal staffing.
• Prepare clinics with the appropriate imaging and documentation, including complete and accurate clinic letters.
• Triage referrals, evaluate referral information, and make clinical prioritisation decisions.
• Refer patients to orthopaedic consultants, physiotherapists, podiatrists, orthotists, and other relevant health‑ and social‑care teams.
• Provide accurate diagnosis and prognosis, advising patients and referring doctors on treatment options.
• Order further imaging or investigations (e.g., X‑ray, MRI) in line with competencies and protocols.
• Provide clinical support to other clinics within the department.
• Advise patients, GP’s, emergency department and employers on return‑to‑work, sports and other activities.
• Maintain up‑to‑date patient records and activity data, aligning with professional and Trust standards.
• Respond to clinical queries from the Minor Injuries Unit or GP surgeries.

Communication and Teamwork

• Contribute proactively to the smooth running of virtual fracture clinics and plaster room, supporting efficient patient flow and high‑quality care.
• Maintain respectful, clear, and effective communication with multidisciplinary teams, patients and families, ensuring compassionate and accurate information transfer.
• Adhere to all Trust policies, procedures and professional standards, seeking clarification when needed to support safe and effective practice.

Qualifications

• Registered healthcare professional (e.g., physiotherapist, nurse or other relevant AHP) with current HCPC/NMC registration.
• Evidence of post‑registration training relevant to musculoskeletal or orthopaedic practice.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing CPD, including participation in courses, reflective practice and clinical development.
• Willingness to undertake and complete the VFC competency framework within 6 months.
• Postgraduate modules in musculoskeletal assessment, advanced practice, imaging or related fields.
• Formal training in clinical reasoning, triage or advanced musculoskeletal practice.
• Teaching, leadership or research‑related qualifications.

Experience

• Significant experience in musculoskeletal, orthopaedic, emergency or fracture care settings.
• Experience independently assessing, diagnosing, and managing acute MSK presentations, including interpretation of clinical notes, radiology reports and imaging (e.g., X‑ray).
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to safe and efficient patient pathways.
• Experience providing patient advice on return‑to‑work, sport and functional activities.
• Experience in virtual care, remote triage or digital clinical pathways.
• Experience working in fracture clinics, minor injuries units or trauma/orthopaedic departments.
• Experience contributing to audits, service improvement or research projects.
• Experience supervising or supporting junior staff or students.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust