Inspirational Story

Can you tell us about your role and and how you trained for this role?

I am an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) by background and completed my Degree in Operating Department Practice through the University of Huddersfield. Today there are many options available to those interested in a career in Theatres and more specifically ODP. You are able to access training via the traditional undergraduate routes but also through apprenticeships, in which you earn while you learn.

What did you need to be able to study as an ODP?

In order to gain access to my qualification I undertook A levels through sixth form and then went on to study at University. Following qualification I have done further study including Mentorship and a MSC in Health Professionals Education.

What does your role look like now?

My current role is very different to the clinical role I started in, however, it still has patients and staff wellbeing at the heart of everything I do. When I first started as an ODP I worked clinically across all three modalities of the ODP role providing Anaesthetic, Scrub and Recovery care to patients.

Today my role is more strategic and leadership based. I have indirectly line manager responsibility for around 900 members of clinical staff. This involves working with our clinical teams to ensure they provide the highest quality care possible to our patients.

I am the recruitment and workforce lead for my area and so am heavily involved in recruiting new members of staff, developing our existing workforce and future planning how we will meet the changing demands of the NHS. I am involved in policy writing, audit and standard setting and staff health and wellbeing.

I am also responsibly for investigations and Human Resources processes, which we ensure everyone is treated fairly and in an open and honest way.

The role is vast but it is extremely rewarding. Working in the NHS is a privilege and something I am extremely proud of.