What is an ODP?

Anyone facing surgery needs to be confident that everyone in the operating theatre knows exactly what they are doing and the Operating Department Practitioner is a vital part of the team. This programme will help you develop the skills and experience you need to provide highly skilled assistance to anaesthetists, surgeons and other medical practitioners. As an Operating Department Practitioner, you will play a critical role in the smooth and successful running of the operating theatre.

What do ODP's do?

Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) work as part of the team in operating theatres and other critical care areas, such as intensive care units and accident and emergency department, working with other healthcare professionals. ODPs play an important role in the physical and psychological care of patients. They look after patients with various care needs including post-operative care.  It is a legal requirement of all anaesthetists to have an anaesthetic practitioner working with them at all times.