The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) is proud to honour two cornerstone events in the perioperative calendar; International Nurses Day on Monday May 12th and National Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) Day on Wednesday May 14th – celebrating the extraordinary contribution of theatre nurses and ODPs across the UK.
As the UK’s leading membership organisation dedicated to hospital theatre practitioners and improving perioperative care, AfPP has launched a series of initiatives to mark these special days, reflecting its ongoing commitment to supporting, recognising, and empowering its community.
Shining a light on the roles that keep operating theatres running
AfPP is spotlighting the unique and vital roles of perioperative professionals through two in-depth features:
-
The Role of a Theatre Nurse: These highly skilled professionals support patients through every stage of surgery, from preparation to recovery, bringing compassion, precision, and calm to the theatre environment. Learn more: Theatre Nurse Role
-
The Role of an ODP: Operating Department Practitioners play an equally essential role in surgical teams, specialising in all aspects of the operating theatre process. Read more: ODP Role
These resources aim to raise awareness and foster deeper understanding of the perioperative professions among both the healthcare community and the wider public.
Launch of new Wellbeing Hub
As part of its celebration week, AfPP has also launched a dedicated Wellbeing Hub within its Members’ Portal. This new space offers practical, evidence-based advice on:
- Improving sleep quality
- Maintaining healthy nutrition
- Managing and preventing burnout
- Cultivating a calm, focused mind
This initiative recognises the increasing pressures facing healthcare staff and AfPP’s mission to care for those who care for others.
Resources have been kindly given by Leanne Spencer, award-winning entrepreneur, burnout prevention expert and keynote speaker at this year’s AfPP Annual National Conference at The University of Warwick; Craig Forster, a professional certified transformative coach, and mind calm coach, and Celynn Morin; a workplace wellbeing consultant, qualified dietitian, and author with a passion for helping people thrive. Celynn will also be joining AfPP live for a Wellbeing Webinar: Santé: The Alchemy of Crafting Your Sparkling Life. The webinar is on Saturday May 17th, 2025, 10am – 11am, and offers 1 CPD hour. You can register now
Sweet appreciation in Harrogate
Adding a personal touch to the International Nurses Day and National ODP Day celebrations, AfPP will be visiting local hospitals in Harrogate, the home of its headquarters, during the week with cupcakes and warm thanks for the hardworking perioperative teams; a small but heartfelt gesture of appreciation.
A message from AfPP’s President
Oliver Tierney, President of AfPP and Clinical Lead for Education, Risk and Governance at The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust and Charity in Fazakerley, Liverpool, said: “Perioperative practitioners are the beating heart of safe and effective surgical care. International Nurses Day and National ODP Day offer the perfect opportunity to recognise the expertise, compassion, and professionalism of these remarkable individuals. At AfPP, we’re committed to celebrating their contributions not just this week, but every day, and to providing the tools, knowledge and support they need to thrive in their roles.”
Join the celebration
Follow AfPP on social media in the build-up to, and throughout, the week to take part in the celebrations, share your stories, tag AfPP, and join the conversation using hashtags #InternationalNursesDay, #IND2025, #NursesDay, #ProudToBeANurse, #NationalODPDay, #ODPDay, #ODPsCommittedtoCareCommittedtoSafety, #AfPP, and #PerioperativePride.
Picture shows AfPP President Oliver Tierney.
