The "predictably unpredictable" role helping behind the scenes of every operation

14th May 2026

An operation can be a stressful and scary time for patients. Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) have an essential role in ensuring the process runs as smoothy as possible and patients feel supported and comfortable throughout. 

ODPs make up part of the large multi-disciplinary, peri-operative care team, helping with everything from minor procedures to more critical, life-changing operations. 

Tahsin and James work as Anaesthetic Operating Department Practitioners (ODP) at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. 

Their roles focus on supporting patients before their operation. Most patients are put under general or local anaesthetic, so Tahsin and James help to support colleagues with the administering of anaesthetic and ensuring patients are calm and comfortable. 

An ODP can be focused on three different areas, anaesthetics, scrub and recovery. “Anaesthetics is the start of a patient’s peri-operative journey, so we help with things like the induction of anaesthetic, monitoring vital signs and reassuring patients” Tahsin explains.  

“Scrub is assisting during the surgery itself, so assisting surgeons with equipment etc during the operation, and recovery focuses on the care immediately after a surgery” she says. 

Tahsin became an ODP in 2023 after studying at Cardiff University. “What made me want to become an ODP was Greys Anatomy – I was obsessed with it in school. I was really drawn to the theatre environment.” 

“For me, the most rewarding part is when a patient remembers you after an operation and says thank you.” 

“If I had to describe my job in three words, I’d say busy, fun and challenging” she says. 

James became an ODP in 2019 because he wanted to pursue a career in healthcare but didn’t see himself working solely on a ward. “I was drawn to the challenging environment in theatres” he says. 

“I like being part of a team when managing stressful situations and watching the team come out the other side of it together, and ideally seeing the patient benefit greatly from all of our efforts.” 

“Primarily we assist anaesthetists and ensure the process runs safely and smoothly, but we are also part of the wider trauma team through the hospital, attending cardiac arrests and trauma calls wherever they may be. We can be everywhere and anywhere to be honest, depending on the day” James says. 

“If I had to describe my job in three words, I’d say it was ‘wonderfully predictably unpredictable.” 

ODP Day is an opportunity to highlight the essential role colleagues like Tahsin and James have in perioperative care. Behind every operation, ODPs ensure patients are cared for to the highest standard and truly supported at every step of their journey.