They are responsible for assessing the extent of infection, planning and performing appropriate surgical interventions -such as debridement, hardware removal or exchange, reconstruction, and limb‑salvage procedures - and ensuring that surgical strategy aligns with overall infection‑control goals.
They also oversee postoperative care, monitor bone healing and functional recovery, and guide long‑term management to reduce complications and prevent recurrence.
You will be reviewed by an ID consultant usually on a Monday and Thursday.
An ID consultant plays a central role within a Bone Infection Unit, providing specialist expertise in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of complex musculoskeletal infections.
The ID consultant interprets microbiological results, advises on optimal antimicrobial selection and duration, monitors for drug toxicity, and supports decision‑making around surgical timing and infection control strategies.
Through multidisciplinary collaboration, they help optimise patient outcomes, reduce recurrence risk, and promote safe, effective antimicrobial stewardship across the unit.
A nurse practitioner on a Bone Infection Unit plays a key role in coordinating and delivering specialist care for patients with complex bone and joint infections.
They act as an expert clinical resource, performing advanced assessments, monitoring patient progress, and supporting decision‑making across both surgical and medical pathways.
Nurse practitioners help to streamline patient journeys by facilitating communication, organising investigations, and ensuring timely intervention.
They provide patient‑centred education on treatment plans, wound care, antimicrobial therapy, and long‑term self‑management, helping individuals understand their condition and engage in their recovery.
Nicola Sinclair currently works as a clinical specialist within the North East and North Cumbria Revision Knee Network, collaborating with orthopaedic surgeons.
Together, they are developing a regional revision network to improve care pathways and outcomes for patients with problematic, infected, or failed joint replacements.
The clinical specialist acts as a point of contact for patients on the unit and on discharge home and can offer support/education and rehabilitation advice and assist with discharge planning.
Laura Doyle plays a vital administrative and organisational role within healthcare or social care settings.
Her main responsibility is to facilitate and coordinate multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, ensuring that professionals from different disciplines (doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, etc.) collaborate effectively to provide comprehensive care for patients or clients.
Physiotherapists play a vital role in the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with bone and joint infections. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, they develop individualised rehabilitation programmes to address mobility, strength, and functional needs.
Their work includes assessing movement and muscle function, prescribing targeted exercises to restore mobility, and advising on the safe use of walking aids. They also use movement and positioning strategies to help manage pain, reduce stiffness, and prevent muscle weakness or long-term functional limitations.
Physiotherapists support patients before and after surgery, promoting early mobilisation to aid recovery and reduce complications. They also provide guidance for continuing rehabilitation at home, helping patients regain independence and return to daily activities as safely and effectively as possible.
On a bone infection unit, an occupational therapist (OT) focuses on patient-centred care to help individuals regain independence for daily activities and prepare for a safe discharge. This includes assessing functional abilities, creating rehabilitation plans to address any physical and cognitive limitations, and providing equipment recommendations for home. The OT works as part of a multi-disciplinary team to address the unique challenges of bone infection, which can involve complex conditions like amputations or limb reconstruction.
Functional assessments can include evaluating a patient's ability to perform everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, and cooking.
We develop tailored plans to help patients improve skills and recover from injury, often through a variety of exercises and activities.
OT’s ensure a safe transition home by coordinating necessary equipment, educating patients and families on new routines, and addressing environmental modifications.
We recommend assistive devices and home adaptations to help patients manage pain, increase strength, and perform tasks with less strain.
Collaboration with doctors, nurses, and other therapists is essential to create a comprehensive care plan that addresses the patient's physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
For complex cases, the OT may conduct assessments before surgery to plan for rehabilitation needs during and after the procedure, helping patients and their families identify and manage fears and stressors related to their injury and recovery process.
Some of our most complicated infections and antimicrobial treatments in the whole hospital are seen on the bone infection unit; our role is to ensure patients receive the best possible treatment in the safest possible way and are fully informed throughout their journey.
Our team will support patient with advice and supply of medicines while in hospital, during the discharge process and even after patients go home.
Roles include:
- assisting with daily living activites,
- administering specialised IV antibiotic therapies
- performing advanced wound and surgical site care
- coordinating multi-disciplinary discharge plans
- providing patient education
Healthcare assistants on a Bone Infection Unit provides essential hands‑on support that contributes to safe, effective, and compassionate patient care.
They assist with daily living activities, help patients mobilise safely, support wound care preparation, and monitor basic observations to detect early signs of deterioration.
They help improve the overall experience and wellbeing of patients receiving care for bone and joint infections.
We work with the lab to identify the bug causing the infection and help to choose the right antibiotics which are crucial for tailoring treatment.