Operating department practitioners (ODPs) support theatre staff while they carry out complex procedures, and care for theatre patients before, during and immediately after surgery. They work alongside surgeons, anaesthetists and theatre nurses.

The Work

You could be:

• cleaning and sterilising surgical instruments before the operation
• preparing drugs, drips and dressings
• preparing all the necessary instruments and equipment for the procedure
• standing by during the operation, handing over each instrument, swab or dressing as the surgeon needs it and counting them all at the end
• reassuring the patients before and during the administration of the anaesthetics, helping lift the patients on to the operating table and monitoring them while they are unconscious
• helping with resuscitation if a patient stops breathing
• taking patients to the recovery room, checking up on them as they come round and arranging for their transfer back to the ward
• checking stock levels of theatre supplies and keeping records.

You would normally work within either a surgical, anaesthetic or recovery team. However, you may sometimes work in other departments, such as accident and emergency, intensive care, or with resuscitation teams and helicopter emergency medical services.

Pay

ODPs working in the NHS are generally on Band 5, £28,384 to £35,365 a year. ODPs who are qualified nurses are usually paid on Band 6, £35,522 to £43,286 a year. The current pay scales are from April 2022.

Pay will be different for ODPs working outside the NHS.

Conditions

• You work shifts would cover evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Part time work is available and on call duty is common.
• An operation might unexpectedly last hours past the end of your shift.
• You work mostly in the operating theatre which is bright, clean, sterile, warm and air-conditioned.
• You wear a face mask and head covering as well as surgical gloves, gown and shoes.
• You must stay alert while standing in the one position for hours at a time.
• You must get used to blood and other unpleasant sights and smells. There can be a slight risk of infection.
• The work can be stressful and emergency situations can occur at any time.
• There is some heavy lifting.

Getting In

• To work as an ODP with the NHS you need to study for a qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• To work with the NHS, you should apply for a trainee ODP post, which involves a 2-year programme with one of the NHS Scotland health boards, delivered in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland. You would complete the DipHE Operating Department Practice.
• Entry requirements are 2 Highers and 3 subjects at National 5, or relevant national qualifications at SCQF Level 6.
• Alternatively you could train as a nurse (see Nurse - Adult). You would also require a relevant anaesthetic certificate.
• The University of the West of Scotland are the only Scottish institution to offer a course in this career, and you need to be currently employed in an NHS hospital. However, the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP) have a list of approved courses on their website. Currently they are all full time courses offered in England.
• Experience in hospital work such as nursing auxiliary work is useful.
• You must be fit and have stamina. You will need to sit a pre-entry medical test.
• You must be over 18 when you start work.
• You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.

Vacancies appear within hospitals and in trade journals and on the NHS Scotland Recruitment website.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2022

4658

0.9 %

RISE

2027

4698

  United Kingdom

2022

57107

3 %

RISE

2027

58846

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• responsible about hygiene
• able to concentrate for long periods
• not squeamish
• a good communicator
• able to learn quickly and follow instructions
• able to stay calm and focused in an emergency
• flexible in your approach to hours and duties
• empathetic with patients who may be frightened
• able to work as a team member.

Training

• The NHS trainee programme involves a 2 year university programme involving a blend of practice placements, and online study.
• Once your training is complete, you wil be able to register with the Health and Care Professions Council as a registered Operating Department Practitioner.
• Once you are qualified, you will be expected to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain your registration with the HCPC.

Getting On

• After training and experience, you can move into more senior grades, such as a surgical care practitioner, or a physician's assistant.
• You could also move into other areas, such as education and training.
• There are also possibilities of work abroad.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.