“We support each other. I say to my wife, I don’t feel like I’m going to work, I’m going to see my second family!”

“We support each other. I say to my wife, I don’t feel like I’m going to work, I’m going to see my second family!”

Sme Basi – Plaster Technician

Sme joined the Orthopaedics team six years ago after spending two years as a Support Worker at our Becton Centre.

He said: “I had a young family at the time and the change to more regular hours suited me. When I saw the orthopaedic role advertised I thought I could bring something different to the team here.”

Plaster technicians apply and remove the casts on trauma injuries such as broken bones. Sme is part of a team of seven colleagues who run the Plaster Clinic in Outpatients.

“We’re a unique team with very different characters but we get along well with lots of humour and support for each other. We make things as fun as we can. Children can choose different colours and add sparkles to their casts. We try not to be too serious so it’s easier for children to adjust and relax.

“If I was describing the team at Sheffield Children’s I would say that we’re very caring and understanding, and that we’re very passionate about what we do.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that Sheffield Children’s has made lots of changes – visit the website to find out how we’re keeping you safe: www.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk/coronavirus-hub/ – but there are still trauma injuries for Sme to treat.

He said: “We’re seeing the same number of patients but one difference is that we’re wearing masks and patients can’t see our faces, so we show them our badges and take the time to introduce ourselves properly.

“We used to give children bubbles to blow while they were here, to help with any anxiety, but now they use a bubble gun instead!”

Throughout nearly six years as a Plaster Technician – plus two more as a Support Worker – Sme has a selection of great moments to pick from.

“The best moments that come to mind were meeting Prince Harry and being recognised at the Star Awards but the reactions you get from children are special too. They might come in with a broken arm but they’ll leave with a smile.”