Inspirational Story

How did you find out about the role of an Operating Department Practitioner?

From a very young age I have always loved to care for those around me.

From school I went straight into business and law as I felt this was what was expected of me – through influence. I didn’t enjoy it, I knew it was not what I wanted to do, but I continued for three years and passed.

I had such a strong devotion and passion for caring for people that I said I was going straight back into college and completed my three-year Level 3 Health and Social Care course.

During this time, I had an operation at CHFT. I remember a lady who was so compassionate and caring that I was able to build a trusting relationship with her. I asked her what her role was, and she told me she was an Operating Department Practitioner. I must be honest; I had no idea what the role entailed.

After my recovery, out of curiosity, I looked the role up and to me it sounded AMAZING! Just what I wanted for my career!

What was your next step?

Whilst looking for employment I saw that CHFT were offering apprenticeships in health care. I went straight ahead and applied. It was a process of preferred option to least preferred out of theatres, therapies, and health care assistant on the wards.

Of course I chose theatres! However, I did not get my first choice. I was placed in therapies working as a physiotherapy and occupational therapy assistant. Don’t get me wrong, I still loved caring for my patients, but I knew it was not what I wanted for my long-term career.

What direction did you go in at this point?

I progressed from a therapy assistant to a therapy assistant practitioner within four years with the support from the amazing apprenticeship team! It was at this time that people were starting to ask me “why don’t you go and do your physiotherapy training?”. Again, I just knew it wasn’t for me.

I decided to take a sidestep into a different role within CHFT to gain further knowledge and skills. This was where I became a Macmillan Support Worker. I was in this role for two years, which I did absolutely love! But again, not where I saw myself.

What was your first step into the ODP Apprenticeship?

One day, I saw a position within CHFT for an Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner. My dreams came true! I applied almost instantly. I have to say, it was not easy for me because I had no experience within the theatre department whereas other applicants had.

I wasn’t going to let this stop me. I spent some of my weekend’s shadowing in theatres to gain knowledge and experience. I was on the phone to theatres clinical educator, probably annoyingly every day panicking that I would have no chance.

She told me to apply and see what happens. So, I did. I quickly realised that my interview date was the date I was on holiday in Venice. Luckily, the interviews were online. I remember sat in my little Italian hotel room revising for this interview and the day came, I had my interview in Venice.

The next day, I was on a boat, I got a phone call, expecting the worse, for me to hear “Holly, I am really pleased to tell you that you have got the role of Operating Department Practitioner Apprentice”. Well, I screamed the boat down, embarrassingly. I had the best holiday, ever!

What has the apprenticeship looked like so far?

September 2022 came, and I began my Operating Department Practitioner training. My first placement was in main theatres at Calderdale Hospital. I could not believe that I was stood there scrubbed for a six-hour surgery. Honestly, to me, it was the most amazing feeling, I loved every second and still do.

What do you love most about your role?

I love that the ODP role is so versatile. One day you can be scrubbing to assist the surgeon and the next you can be assisting to anaesthetise your patient or recovering them in the post anaesthetic care unit.

Although I love every part of the role, one of my most favourite parts is interacting with my patients and getting to know them. Being a surgical patient is one of the most vulnerable positions. I love being the person that can ensure that they feel reassured and at ease. It is one of the most rewarding parts of the role as well as being part of a team that is dedicated to improving our patient’s quality of health and wellbeing.

What advice would you give to someone considering this role or route?

If you are considering the role of an ODP the apprenticeship route is a great route to take. I feel incredibly lucky and am so grateful to be an apprentice.

Moral of the story – do not let anything stop you from getting to be where you want to be. Everything is possible with determination.

I feel very proud to be where I am now.