Julisa Cooknell
Orthopaedic SIG
The Orthopaedic Special Interest Group (SIG) aims to support all perioperative practitioners with their ongoing challenges within the field of Trauma and Orthopaedics.
Orthopaedics as a surgical speciality is vast. It covers planned elective procedures, planned trauma reconstruction, urgent trauma, and emergency trauma procedures. In recent years there has also been an increase in the incidence for Orthopaedic surgical teams to have Plastic surgery skills with the expansion of Major Trauma Centres across the UK.
Using the AfPP forum Orthopaedic practitioners can broaden their knowledge and expertise to support, guide, educate and share their learning and experiences enabling us all to explore the daily challenges we face in our Orthopaedic theatres. The forum can also be used to discuss current practice challenges as they arise such as location of implants, NJR, use of tourniquets and infection control challenges.
More about the SIG Lead
“I am an experienced Trauma and Orthopaedic scrub nurse with a strong background in perioperative practice and clinical education, working within a busy orthopaedic theatre environment supporting both trauma and elective services. Over the course of my career, I have developed experience across a wide range of orthopaedic procedures and have a strong interest in patient safety, professional standards, and perioperative education.
Alongside my clinical role, I work as a Designated Theatre Lead (DTL), supporting team coordination, standards of practice, and staff development within the theatre environment. I am passionate about education, mentorship, and supporting learners, and I have recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Education, leading educational improvement work focused on enhancing learning resources for scrub practitioners.
As Lead for the AfPP Orthopaedics Specialist Interest Group, I am committed to sharing knowledge, sharing experiences, supporting members, and promoting collaborative, evidence-based perioperative orthopaedic practice.”