Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)
“The most rewarding job you’ve probably never heard of”
Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are still one of healthcare’s best-kept secrets
Special feature by Susan Preston, AfPP Marketing Manager
Despite playing a vital role in surgery and patient care, Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are still one of healthcare’s best-kept secrets. National ODP Day on Wednesday May 14th, 2025, is a chance to change that, and celebrate the people behind the scenes who make surgery possible.
Here at The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) we have been preparing to celebrate both International Nurses Day on Monday May 12th, and National ODP Day, and while the role of nurses is well recognised, the job of the ODP is much less so.
“The role of the ODP is the most rewarding job you’ve probably never heard of.” That line, first shared by Steve Burns, Professional Development and Education Lead at Harrogate District Hospital, really stayed with me after a recent visit. In the lead-up to National ODP Day, I’ve heard that same powerful message echoed by so many ODPs who are passionate about their work and proud of the vital role they play.
I had the opportunity to speak with ODPs, nurses, surgeons, and educators at The Walton Centre, the UK’s only specialist neurosciences Trust, in the suburb of Fazakerley in Liverpool, to learn more about the vital role of an ODP in the perioperative team.
“We can’t do the job we do without ODPs”
“ODPs are essential to the smooth running of the operating theatre; they’re highly trained professionals who reduce the cognitive load on the surgeon, ease stress, and help facilitate the best possible outcomes,” said Mr Nick Carleton-Bland, Consultant Neurosurgeon at The Walton Centre.
Mr Neil Buxton, a fellow Consultant Neurosurgeon at The Walton Centre, said: “We can’t do the job we do without ODPs.”
“Well, words would not be enough to describe how fantastic our ODPs are; they are simply the best,” said Mr Vijay Sahitya, an Consultant Anaesthetist at The Walton Centre.
He added: “Amazing, marvellous, a joy to work with, are some of the adjectives that come to my mind. They are truly our unsung heroes, superstars.”
ODPs work across three core perioperative phases: anaesthetics, scrub, and recovery.
Anaesthetics
Those covering anaesthetics play a vital role in assisting the anaesthetist before and during the induction of anaesthesia. Their responsibilities include:
- Preparing and checking anaesthetic equipment and medications
- Assisting with patient positioning and monitoring
- Supporting airway management (e.g. ventilation, intubation)
- Maintaining patient safety and comfort throughout induction
- Anticipating the anaesthetist’s needs during the procedure
They ensure that all anaesthetic processes run smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
Scrub
Scrub ODPs support the surgical team by:
- Scrubbing in to maintain a sterile field
- Preparing surgical instruments and equipment
- Assisting the surgeon during procedures (passing instruments, handling specimens)
- Counting instruments, swabs, and sharps before and after surgery
- Ensuring all surgical equipment is used and disposed of correctly
This role demands precision, concentration, and strong communication.
Recovery
After surgery, recovery ODPs work in recovery care for patients emerging from anaesthesia. Their key tasks include:
- Monitoring vital signs and level of consciousness
- Managing airway and pain relief
- Identifying and responding to postoperative complications
- Providing reassurance and comfort as the patient regains awareness
- Ensuring safe handover to ward staff
They are essential in ensuring patients recover safely and comfortably from surgery.
ODPs are highly skilled, adaptable professionals who provide critical care at each stage of the perioperative journey, helping ensure patient safety, comfort, and positive outcomes throughout.
A closer look at the role of an ODP at The Walton Centre, Liverpool
Working as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) at The Walton Centre; the UK’s only specialist neuroscience Trust, is more than just a job. It’s a vocation. Every day is different, every patient is unique, and every moment counts.
What shines through is that the theatre team at The Walton Centre shares a strong bond, built on trust, support, and teamwork. Their close-knit dynamic creates a positive, resilient environment where everyone feels valued and works together to deliver exceptional patient care.
“Traditionally there has been an authority grading within the theatre environment and ODPs have helped to positively disrupt this; they are a great ally to the surgical team as they see the patient pre and post-op, and are vital to the smooth running of the theatre,” said Nick.
“We are a real team here, and everyone is so inclusive and supportive of each other,” said Chloe Martin, a Student ODP at The Walton Centre.
“Being an ODP is a very rewarding career, and I like the fact you can help one patient at a time,” said Jess Graney, an anaesthetic ODP at The Walton Centre.
Jess added: “There are long hours, and it is hard work, but it’s all worth it when you see patients come out the other end.
“We spend time reflecting in a group, which supports everyone’s well-being, as working in theatre can be quite intense, and it’s important that people get time to talk about their experiences.”
Jess said a typical weekly shift pattern for an ODP would be a couple of 8am to 6pm shifts, a couple of 8am to 5pm shifts, and one long day of 8am to 8pm.
ODPs wear many hats. Whether they’re in anaesthetics, scrub, or recovery, their job is to make sure each patient receives the safest, most compassionate care possible throughout their surgical journey.
There is a defined pattern to each day, with a full team brief, much checking and cross-checking, and following of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist which covers protocol for patient sign-in before induction of anaesthesia, a time out before skin incision, and sign out before the patient leaves the operating room.
“We work in an incredibly dynamic, complex environment and the team here does incredible things”
“Some days the theatre lists will run smoothly, but complications can and do occur,” said Oliver Tierney, a former ODP who has worked in healthcare since 1999 and is now the Clinical Lead for Education, Risk and Governance at The Walton Centre, and the new AfPP President.
“We work in an incredibly dynamic, complex environment and the team here does incredible things,” said Oliver.
“It’s wonderful to see seriously unwell people leave here and return to their lives and families, and that’s one of the massive upsides of being an ODP; to be part of that.”
Oliver is quick to dispel any misconceptions that work in a hospital theatre in any way mirrors the action seen on such television hospital programmes.
“There is a lot of everyday work in a hospital theatre, but at the core of it all is patient safety and it’s vital we are efficient in that.”
He said ODPs and all healthcare professionals are human and have their own lives away from work, but when at work they have to “focus in”.
“There can be a lot of pressure in a hospital theatre, but we are all drilled to deal with this.”
Why consider a career as an ODP?
As an ODP you are exposed to advanced technology, specialist procedures, and have many career progression opportunities.
The rewards?
- Real-time impact on patient outcomes
- A dynamic, fast-paced environment
- Team camaraderie and a deep sense of purpose
The challenges?
- Physically and emotionally demanding
- Irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and on-calls
- Stressful situations requiring resilience and quick decision-making
Career progression & opportunities
“Don’t ever think that qualifying as an ODP is the end of it; there are so many progression opportunities available,” said Oliver, adding: “Qualifying as an ODP is just the beginning of a career that can take you in unexpected directions.”
Oliver is a prime example. He became a healthcare assistant thanks to his mother; when he took a gap-year job at a local go kart centre after his A levels. She had other ideas, and secured him a job as a Healthcare Assistant. He then did a couple of years of nursing training, before deciding it wasn’t for him, training instead as an ODP. He later became a Clinical Skills Facilitator, then a Practice Education Facilitator, before moving into his current role as Lead for Education, Risk and Governance in May 2022.
ODPs are now registered professionals, and the opportunities for development are growing all the time. You might move into:
- Advanced roles like Surgical First Assistant or Anaesthesia Associate
- Education or clinical teaching
- Management and leadership
- Research roles, especially in specialist centres like The Walton Centre
Pay
An entry level ODP starts on a salary of £29,969, which can increase to £36,483 within five years, and £44,962 after 10 years, dependent on applying for promotion, and can be more depending on banding and role (Figure as of April 2025). There is also the option to do overtime and on-call work.
Final thoughts
If you’re considering a career where no two days are the same, where you’re constantly learning, and where your skills have a direct impact on saving lives, then becoming an ODP might just be your calling.
“I just love everything about being an ODP; I enjoy caring for people,” said Chloe.
“I don’t think the role of an ODP is widely recognised enough. We do a lot of things, and theatre would not run the same without us.”
Oliver said: “ODPs care for patients at their most vulnerable and are their eyes and ears during the perioperative phases; they deserve to be recognised and valued for the great work they do.”
Thank you!
Huge thanks to The Walton Centre for warmly welcoming AfPP and allowing us the opportunity to spend time with your incredible theatre team. We’re so grateful for your openness and support in helping us share a real and inspiring look at a day in the life of an ODP. Your dedication to patient care and team spirit truly shines through; thank you for being part of this special feature!
May 2025 is a month of celebration – and this year, it’s bigger than ever.
We invite you to join us in celebrating International Nurses Day on Monday 12th May and National ODP Day on Wednesday 14th May. These two important dates offer the perfect opportunity to honour the dedication, compassion, and skill of perioperative professionals across the UK and beyond.
This year is extra special, as 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the Operating Department Practitioner profession!
