Alison, Theatre Team Leader, Gynaecology and Obstetric Theatres, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

I always wanted to go into healthcare and following my first hospital job in theatre I loved the environment and work.

I continued to undertake all three areas of practice since I qualified, but I currently primarily work within the Scrub team coordinating additional lists to try and clear some of the backlog due to COVID-19. However, I do also still cover Anaesthetics and Recovery as required.

I started as a healthcare assistant in St Mary’s Theatres in 2003 and was seconded to do my ODP training from 2007 to 2010. I have recently become a Band 6 Team Leader for the Scrub team.

I enjoy the challenges that each day brings -no two days are the same that’s for sure! I enjoy working with the whole multi-disciplinary team I am lucky enough to work with at St Mary’s. Giving my patients the best care I can definitely makes the job worthwhile.

ODPs have been described many ways but are an invaluable resource to the theatre team with the breadth of specialised knowledge they hold.

If you enjoy a challenge and have a desire to help others through what can be one of the most difficult and/or life-changing days of their lives then being an ODP is for you.

Fiona, Scrub ODP Team Lead, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

I started working for the NHS in 1999 as an auxiliary nurse on the bank. I then gained a permanent post on a medical ward before moving to be a support worker in theatres. Within a few months I knew this is where I belonged.

I was seconded in 2007 to do my ODP training, qualifying in 2010. In 2019, I was promoted to a senior ODP role. My main role now is a Scrub OPD team lead. I have experience in urology, vascular, maxillofacial and general surgery. I am also part of the robot team. I also mentor students and new starters.

The best thing about being an ODP is being part of a multi-disciplinary team and working in a specialised area. ODP’s are great because we are part of a team that are able to give patients our undivided attention.

Why become an ODP? You get great job satisfaction, and what other job allows you to wear comfortable scrubs all day!?

Ryan, Team Leader, St Mary's Theatres, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

I chose to become an ODP as I had always had an interest in healthcare, and it was a role I had never heard of before.

In my current role I'm a team leader. This involves supporting staff and ensuring junior colleagues have access to training and development. I perform administrative tasks such as the off-duty rotas and allocations. I also take a senior role in clinical practice, and co-ordinate the department.

I began as a student with no healthcare experience. This was a 3 year course and was initially very daunting. I was also more mature at 25 years old. I enjoyed this time and threw myself into continually developing my confidence, knowledge and skills. 

The best thing about being an ODP is knowing you made a difference - whether that is acting decisively in critical and emergency situations, or being that person to hold a hand when a patient is at their most vulnerable. It's also awesome working in a great team.

You should become an ODP because we're the best job that you've probably not even heard of!