Go back Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Senior Orthopaedic Occupational Therapist
The closing date is 04 November 2026
Senior Orthopaedic Occupational Therapist (Band 6)
Fixed-Term / Secondment Opportunity (Maternity Cover)
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join the Orthopaedic Therapy Team at Great Western Hospital on a fixed-term basis (or secondment opportunity) to provide maternity leave cover.
You will work within an integrated multidisciplinary team of Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Rehabilitation Assistants, delivering high-quality therapy services to orthopaedic patients across both the Elective and Trauma wards.
This role requires previous orthopaedic experience, as you will provide specialist assessment and treatment to a diverse range of patients, including those with major trauma, spinal injuries and head injuries. You will play a key role in supporting patients through their rehabilitation journey and facilitating safe, effective discharges.
As a senior member of the team, you will be responsible for providing clinical leadership and support to junior staff, including the supervision and teaching of Band 5 Occupational Therapists, Rehabilitation Assistants and students. You will also have opportunities to contribute to service development, quality improvement initiatives and the ongoing advancement of the Orthopaedic Therapy Service.
Main duties of the job
Manage and be responsible for a complex clinical caseload using an interdisciplinary, patient focused, rehabilitative approach for a broad range of conditions, in all areas where there are orthopedic patients.
To foster good communication and develop strong networks with other members of the interdisciplinary team, multi-disciplinary team members, carers and external agencies concerned with the management of the patient.
To identify service development needs and implement the planning, development and evaluation of the service, and hold responsibility for defined projects.
To be able to stand in for the Team Leader in their absence if required.
To participate in the orthopedic weekend rota.
About us
We are proud to be part of BSW Hospitals Group - a formal partnership between Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. With a combined workforce of over 17, 600 colleagues, and budget of 1.6 billion the Group is united by a common purpose to deliver the best possible care to over 1 million people. We are creating a heath and care system that works with the people we care for, reducing the differences people currently face in access, experience and outcomes, improving the experience of our colleagues and tackling shared challenges like sustainability and finances. Every improvement we make across our Group will be guided by what creates the greatest benefit for our colleagues, our patients, our communities and our partners.
Job responsibilities
To act as a specialist clinician within the Orthopaedic Occupational Therapy Service and carry a complex diverse case load which may include traumatic brain injury, Intensive Care, multiple trauma, complex childrens surgery, orthopaedic, musculo-skeletal, surgical, medical and psychiatric conditions.
To assess the need for and to carry out assessment of the home environment making recommendations and referral for adaptations or equipment provision i.e. an environmental assessment without patient, a home assessment with patient, follow-up visits and pre-operative home visits for planned surgery.
To devise Occupational Therapy treatment plans and goals in collaboration with the patient, relatives, their carers and the Multidisciplinary Team and Interdisciplinary Team.
To have a good understanding of the effect of disability, to be able to educate patient, relatives and carers in issues relating to their diagnosis/prognosis and promote an understanding of its functionalimplications and the adaptation required.
The Orthopaedic Therapy Team provides an extended-hours service, and the successful candidate will be expected to participate in the team rota, including evening, weekend and bank holiday working.
We welcome applications from:
- Experienced Band 5 Occupational Therapists seeking an opportunity to develop their leadership and specialist clinical skills at Band 6 level.
- Established Band 6 Occupational Therapists looking to further enhance their orthopaedic expertise and broaden their experience within a supportive and dynamic team.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a friendly, innovative and forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care while supporting professional growth and development.
Please note: This post is being offered as a fixed-term contract or secondment opportunity to cover a period of maternity leave. Internal applicants interested in applying on a secondment basis should obtain agreement from their current line manager prior to interview.
Please see attached Job Description for full details of this role.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Degree in Occupational Therapy
- Registered with Health Professions Council
- Evidence of further appropriate training to Diploma level
- Clinical educator for students on placement
Experience
- Experience of working in Orthopaedics
- Broad clinical experience in a variety of settings
- Up to date evidence based clinical knowledge
- Experience of working with children and/ or adults in acute hospital services
- Experience of changing or developing a service
- Experience of providing supervision for junior staff or assistants
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
£39,959 to £48,117 a yearpro rata per annum
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