Erin Kean uses her skilled hands to support casting and other care at the Halifax Orthopedic Clinic

Erin Kean knows when the calendar turns to January she can expect to see lots of broken bones.

The orthopedic technician at the QEII Health Sciences Centre Halifax Infirmary site points to the icy streets and walkways as a contributing factor for why the clinic sees about 200 more patients in January than any other month. 

For those arriving at the clinic with a broken bone, their first encounter is often with team members like Erin, who offer reassurance and skilled hands, shaping casts that will both support the bone and the patient’s confidence in recovery.

Erin is one of nine orthopedic technicians across the province who provide casting, brace fitting and other specialized orthopedic support. Though often linked to casting alone, her role extends well beyond this, encompassing a broad range of technical care, patient education and hands-on support throughout the healing process.

“Our patients range from age 16 to 100 years old, who are all at different stages of care,” says Erin. "Some may be at the end of their care and no longer need a cast or brace, while others can be coming to us immediately after an accident or injury.”

The Halifax Infirmary is one of the busiest orthopedic clinics in the province, with Erin and her colleagues seeing up to 200 patients a day, with 24,000 patients seen between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025.

As an orthopedic technician, Erin makes, applies, adjusts and removes a wide range of casts, splints and braces. Each device is carefully selected and customized to support the affected limb, reduce pain and improve function and mobility, ensuring patients are set up for safe and effective recovery.

“We often meet patients at a very stressful time, but we try to be their best support, like a cheerleader, reminding them that one day, this process will just be a memory.”

Beyond the technical aspects of her role, Erin provides education, guidance and reassurance to patients and families as they recover and resume activities with their new cast or fitting.

The impact of Erin’s work extends well beyond clinic walls. She is frequently recognized in the community by former patients, sometimes receiving a hug in the grocery store. It’s these moments that remind her of the positive difference she and her colleagues are making in patients’ lives.

Erin works closely with other orthopedic technicians, as well as physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals to support patients with bone, joint, and muscle injuries. This collaboration is essential to every step of a patient’s care, and teamwork is truly at the core of the orthopedic clinic. 

Orthopedic technicians also play an important role in wound prevention and limb preservation by providing total contact casting – a process that takes the weight off the foot for patients with severe foot ulcers – and in serial casting, a consistent casting process to improve range of motion and alignment with the limb. 

“I had a young patient who needed to undergo casting every week to support and strengthen their foot to regain function.” says Erin. “When we took off their cast for the final time, the doctor asked them to stand and they could. Their mother later sent me a video of them walking for the first time in years. It brought tears to my eyes – it was an incredible milestone for them and for our team to be a part of it.”

“Collaboration is one of the most important parts of our job because there are so many parts involved in getting someone to safely go home and have a good outcome,” says Erin. “We are in constant communication with all teams and ensure that everyone is on the same page. I am so proud to be part of this incredible team.”

At Nova Scotia Health, orthopedic technicians like Erin are essential to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. Their work supports patients through critical moments, from injury to recovery, and can quite literally help patients get back on their feet.

Photo of Erin Kean, orthopedic technician at the QEII Health Sciences Centre Halifax Infirmary.