An operating department practitioner (ODP) is a vital part of the operating theatre team, they provide a high standard of care to patients of all ages, at every stage of their operation.
The role of an ODP allows you to provide individualised and skilled care for patients from when they arrive in the operating theatre department, to discharge from the recovery room.
Sonya, anaesthetics and recovery ODP
Why did you want to be an ODP?
I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, but I was unsure of which profession.
After doing some research I discovered operating department practice which immediately captured my interest.
The idea of working in operating theatres fascinated me and the training that covered the three phases of perioperative care; anaesthetics, surgical, and recovery.
Day-to-day tasks?
My first task of the day is to perform safety checks on the anaesthetic machines to ensure they are safe for use. I will then prepare airway equipment, monitoring, cannulation equipment, intravenous fluids among other equipment which are specific to the case and ensuring that drugs, syringe drivers and warming equipment are available.
Following a team briefing where all members of the theatre team are present, the cases on the theatre list are discussed to ensure patient safety, I will then go and greet the patient, complete a patient safety checklist and bring them into the anaesthetic room.
Next, I will attach monitoring to the patient and assist the anaesthetist with IV cannulation in preparation for anaesthesia. If the patient is having a general anaesthetic,
I work closely with the anaesthetist throughout the induction of anaesthesia and assist in airway management and intubation. Once the airway is secured, any other inventions can be carried out such as invasive monitoring before helping to transfer the patient to the operating table.
If the patient is having a different anaesthetic such as spinal, regional or sedation I will prepare the relevant equipment and assist in this. I will then ensure that the patient is positioned comfortably, have their dignity maintained and kept warm throughout the procedure.
Throughout the surgical procedure, I will assist the anaesthetist to keep the patient stable. On completion of surgery, I will then assist with extubating and airway management, and ensure the patient is safe for transfer to recovery.
As a recovery ODP my role will involve carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the patient, providing airway management if required, continuous monitoring, providing pain relief, anti-sickness, and warming interventions if necessary, and communicating and reassuring the patient until they feel safe and comfortable for the transfer.
Most fulfilling part of the job?
This job is fulfilling for a number of reasons. Firstly, I have the opportunity to care for, and give reassurance to patients at a time when they may feel vulnerable and frightened. In this sense the job gives me equal opportunity to carry out clinical tasks and also provide holistic care.
The main reason I enjoy this job is that no two days are alike. I am allocated to work in different theatres each day which have a variety of specialties and different teams to work alongside.
Additionally, being an ODP does not limit me to working within the main theatres department, but we also work in different areas of the hospital such as emergency department resus, MRI, vascular radiology, neuroradiology and maternity which keeps the job varied and interesting.
Dennis, senior operating department practitioner
Why did you want to be an ODP?
I wanted a career working in theatres, I have progressed to a senior ODP who works in the head and neck directorate which covers ear nose and throat, maxillofacial and plastic Surgery. I qualified as an ODP in September of 1996, via Northumbria University, having been only the third ODP to be trained at South Tees.
Day to day tasks?
My main role is to lead a team of staff within a designated operating theatre undertaking the scrub role for the above specialities.
I had previously worked in the ENT theatres at the old North Riding Infirmary, firstly as a porter and then as a health care assistant. When I was offered the chance to train as an ODP I was really excited about possibilities that presented themselves to me.
Most fulfilling part of the job?
I really enjoy the challenges that present daily and my role within the multidisciplinary theatre team, and the exceptional care that we give to our patients who put their faith in our hands.
Em, anaesthetic operating department practitioner
Why did you want to be an ODP?
I did not know the role existed until my cousin who is also an ODP, introduced me to it and I became fascinated!
I have always wanted to care for people and have always had an interest in anaesthetics and how it all works, so this is the perfect role.
Day to day tasks?
Using my skills and knowledge to perform a series of technical checks on the anaesthetic machines within the anaesthetic room and operating theatre, ensuring the machines are fully operational.
Preparing my anaesthetic room with a vast array of anaesthetic equipment and anaesthetic pharmacology needed for my patients.
Preparing airway devices for my patients, including specific airway devices for paediatric patients and any anticipated difficult airways. Preparing invasive monitoring and IV fluids along with IV cannulas ready for my patient’s procedures.
As an anaesthetic ODP I am fully proficient in airway management, and I work closely with the anaesthetist to ensure safe induction and securing of patient airways.
This includes the safe transfer of the patient from the anaesthetic room into the operating theatre, monitoring the airway and physiological parameters throughout their procedure, correcting any deviations that may occur throughout.
The above lists just some of the daily tasks an anaesthetic ODP carries out, however, the patient is the most important person in the operating theatre, the peri operative team work closely together post, intra and peri operative to provide the safest and best possible care to our patients.
Most fulfilling part of the job?
The patient contact and care I get to provide all my patients at one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. They put their trust and lives in the hands of myself and my team and that gives me an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment for each and every patient I come into contact with.
I like to think of every patient as one of my family members and provide the care I would expect my loved ones to receive.
ODP video
Where can I study operating department practise?
Work experience
Contact us
- Careers at South Tees: [email protected]
- Work experience at South Tees: [email protected]