The achievements of local nursing staff were recently recognised at a special event celebrating the completion of a new trauma and orthopaedics training course, the first of its kind in Scotland.
Seven nurses from across NHS Forth Valley successfully completed the PDA Scottish Trauma and Orthopaedic Practical Skills course – a 10-week programme designed to build advanced clinical knowledge and hands-on skills.
The celebration event took place at Forth Valley College’s Stirling Campus, highlighting the strong partnership between NHS Forth Valley and Forth Valley College through the Forth Valley University College NHS Partnership.
The course is designed for registered nursing staff and technicians working within trauma and orthopaedic services who wish to develop specialist knowledge and practical clinical skills. It is delivered by experienced professionals, and its industry-focused programme combines the underpinning of anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system, with hands-on practical learning to support the delivery of safe, effective trauma and orthopaedic care.
Learners also gained experience in the assessment, selection, fitting and evaluation of a variety of braces, splints, casts and orthopaedic supports, ensuring they can confidently contribute to patient care and rehabilitation.
For NHS Forth Valley staff, the course has had a direct impact on confidence and day-to-day practice. Nicole Hastie, Clinical Support Worker in the Fracture Clinic, said: “I’ve recently completed the Scottish Trauma and Orthopaedic Practical Skills course. It has given me a newfound confidence in my practical skills, and the clinical knowledge I’ve gained has had a positive impact on my role and on patient outcomes.”
The programme has also been developed and delivered by a number of NHS Forth Valley staff, further strengthening local expertise and leadership.
Kevin McCloskey, Associate Lecturer on the course, who also works as a Senior Charge Nurse at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Orthopaedics and Trauma, said: “This course has filled a gap in training which we lost in Scotland some time ago. Now due to the work with the Forth Valley University College NHS Partnership it has been resurrected and modernised.
“This pilot course has been a really good experience and there has been a lot of learning for the students who attended and for both myself and my colleagues Katrina, Ann Marie and Tony. I am looking forward to helping the next cohort through this course in September 2026.”
Ailsa Elliott, Forth Valley College Curriculum Manager in the Department of Care, Sport, Business and Communities, said: “I am incredibly proud to see the successful launch of our new Scottish Trauma and Orthopaedic Practical Skills course at Forth Valley College. This innovative casting and splinting programme has been developed in direct response to the needs of NHS staff, ensuring practical, hands-on training that enhances both confidence and clinical capability.
“The overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received reflects not only the quality of the delivery, but also the strong collaboration between education and healthcare. It is clear that this course will have a meaningful impact on patient care by equipping staff with essential, up-to-date skills.
“This has been a fantastic achievement, and we look forward to building on this success as we continue to support the NHS workforce across Scotland.”
