Assistant Theatre Practitioners

Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are a vital part of the multidisciplinary operating theatre team, providing a high standard of patient focused care during anaesthesia, surgery and recovery, responding to patients’ physical and psychological needs.

The ODP job is unique. You’ll be working alongside surgeons, anaesthetists and other healthcare staff in a team where everyone has to work closely together. The operating theatre is a really fascinating environment to work in.

• Plan and prioritise the care and needs of the patient and evaluate their response to deliver the highest standard of care
• Ensure patients safety and dignity at all times and that their needs are met by working collaboratively with other professionals
• Communicate complex detailed information to other team members or staff in other clinical areas, promptly, clearly and concisely to meet the patient’s needs, especially during emergency situations
• Responsible for the safe use of highly complex anaesthetic, surgical and intensive care equipment
• Ensure everything is ready for each operation, including checking and preparing surgical instrument trays and other equipment
• Passing instruments to surgeons within a sterile field