We are delighted to welcome Royal Navy Operating Department Practitioner Leanne Scrivens as the new Military Specialist Interest Group (SIG) Lead for The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP).
Leanne initially did not anticipate pursuing a career in healthcare. After completing secondary education, she followed her passion for music, studying music performance and recording at college. Like many students, she took on part-time work in bars and restaurants, but the frequent weekend shifts led her to reconsider her career direction. A family member, who was a nurse, recommended she try working as a bank healthcare assistant—a role that offered greater scheduling flexibility.
Although Leanne was initially uncertain about a future in healthcare, spending more time on hospital wards led her to recognise the significant impact she could have on patients’ experiences. Over time, her perspective evolved.
One particular night shift became a pivotal moment in her career. While assisting a surgeon in checking a patient’s wound, she was asked if she was an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)—a role she had not encountered before. Intrigued, she discussed the position with the surgeon, who encouraged her to connect with the hospital’s trauma coordinator. Acting on his advice, she arranged a placement in the orthopaedic trauma theatre—an experience that confirmed her decision to pursue the ODP profession.
Determined to pursue this path, Leanne enrolled at Oxford Brookes University to train as an ODP, gaining hands-on experience at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, a major trauma centre. After qualifying, she utilised Twitter to reach out to a Royal Navy ODP and expressed her interest in a military career. That message led to her joining the Royal Navy as a direct entrant in April 2021.
Since then, Leanne has been deployed to a ship multiple times while also working as an ODP within a Joint Hospital Group (JHG)—a military unit integrated within NHS trusts. She is currently based at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, where she balances military responsibilities with clinical duties.
“When attached to a JHG and not deployed, military ODPs maintain an 80/20 work split: 80% clinical and 20% military,” Leanne explained.
“Spending 80% of our non-deployed time in hospitals allows us to maintain our clinical currency. Even those not based in a clinical setting are required to complete a minimum number of clinical hours annually. We work alongside our NHS colleagues in perioperative settings, ensuring we stay proficient in anaesthetics, surgery, and recovery, as well as in the sterilisation surgical instruments—a unique responsibility held by military ODPs.
“The remaining 20% of our time is dedicated to military training. This allows us to complete the necessary courses for deployment and undertake any mandatory military training. For, while we are ODPs by trade, we are also serving members of the British Armed Forces.”
Beginning in August, Leanne will assume the role of custodian, responsible for the maintenance and readiness of the Electromechanical Equipment (EME) required to support a ship’s operating theatre, as well as its resuscitation and intensive care areas. She will deploy with this equipment as operational needs arise.
Leanne speaks highly of her career in the Royal Navy, citing the opportunity to travel and the flexibility of the role as key benefits. A career highlight occurred during a deployment when the officer on watch invited the crew to the flight deck shortly before midnight, where they witnessed a breathtaking view of the Northern Lights.
“Watching the green hues ripple through the sky is not something every ODP can say they’re paid to watch,” she reflected.
Leanne has been a member of the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) since 2017. As a student ODP, she found AfPP to be an invaluable resource for research and professional development.
“I have always found AfPP to be incredibly supportive, offering a strong network of professionals and resources. I wanted to remain part of this community, and the Royal Navy has been fully supportive of my involvement,” she said.
While Leanne values every aspect of her role, she finds the opportunity to support patients during their most vulnerable moments to be the most meaningful.
“When a patient arrives in theatre, there is a brief but important window to help them feel secure and cared for at what is often a distressing time. Establishing that connection and witnessing the immediate impact of compassionate care is deeply rewarding.”
Pictures show Leanne and during her deployments as a Royal Navy ODP.
