Elaine, Apprentice ODP, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

I started in Theatres almost 7 years ago as a Band 2 Theatre Support Worker, where I developed a passion for the peri-operative environment before progressing to a Band 3 Theatre Support Worker.

I would watch my highly skilled ODP colleagues and decided I would love to gain the skills and knowledge required to be an ODP.

I was successful at interview with my local trust and the University of Central Lancashire and secured a place on the ODP degree apprenticeship ODP course.

My current role involves attending university and attending placements for work-based learning. Both theoretical and practical learning gives me the essential skills and knowledge needed to be a registered practitioner.

The best thing about being an ODP is utilising my new skills and knowledge effectively whether it be in the anaesthetic room, the operating theatre or recovery, and working alongside a great workforce that provide lots of support.

Becoming an ODP is a diverse role whether it's working in resus, attending a trauma call, scrubbing for major surgery, working alongside anaesthetists, or helping patients recover after surgery. Every day is different!

Kelly, Apprentice ODP, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

I started with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals as a healthcare assistant on the ward before moving to theatres as a Theatre Support Worker.

I spent 8 years in this role enjoying the work I did. I knew it was a natural progression for me to want to become an ODP and learn new skills.

An opportunity came up for the ODP apprenticeship and I applied, I was successful in being offered a position and I’ve now nearly completed my first year of training.
My current role is training for 3 years to become a fully qualified ODP. This involves studying at the University of Bolton in combination with on-the-job learning within the trust.

The best thing about being an ODP is the care which I give to patients throughout their surgical journey, and working as a team to provide the patient with holistic care.

If you are interested in surgery, enjoy learning new skills and are caring and compassionate then the ODP role is the perfect job for you.