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Senior orthopaedic technician: Barry Smith

Barry Smith, senior orthopaedic technician
Barry Smith, senior orthopaedic technician

This time, we paid a visit to the plaster room, where senior orthopaedic technician, Barry Smith, treats people with orthopaedic problems who need plaster casts.

Barry said: "The day begins with a trauma meeting, where we find out what's happening and which patients need urgent treatment. From then, the day is full of variety and we see all sorts of patients - whether they've been seen at A&E because of a new injury, or have come to us from the operating theatre, a ward or an outpatient appointment.

"We see so many different types of people, from newborns to the elderly, from those who shout and scream to those who are calm and quiet. You never really know who's coming through that door.

"Many of our patients are in quite a lot of pain and can be very frightened. We therefore spend a lot of time reassuring them and helping them to get through it.

"It might sound like a difficult job, but it's actually very positive. One of the best things about it is helping people - it's never pleasant to see someone in pain or a state of distress, but a plaster cast is a great form of pain relief. Once we've treated them, they tend to be much calmer and happier."

And it really can't be that bad, as Barry has been working at the Trust for 32 years. He said: "I've been here for longer than I care to remember! I'm beginning to see the children of children I treated 20 years ago now!"

The days are often very busy in the plaster room according to Barry. He said: "Some days can be very challenging, and the amount of work we have can be quite stressful, but you do get used to it. Besides that, as soon as a patient walks through the door, you have to forget everything else and concentrate on them."

Barry's busy days don't end when he leaves work either. He added: "I have a young family, so as soon as I walk through my front door, a baby is put into my arms! And I know that I can't even begin to complain about having a busy day. It's all completely worth it though."

More information

This article was first published in the May 2010 issue of STEPS, our staff magazine.
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