Operating Department Practice: The Hidden Profession

Cardiff University, School of Healthcare Sciences held an event on Monday 14th May 2018 to help celebrate the hidden profession of Operating Department Practitioners.

Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) are vital members of a multidisciplinary team and have been working for the NHS for over 50 years under varying titles. The profession has been regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council since 2004. They support patients’ emotional and physical well-being throughout the surgical episode from anaesthetics, through surgery and into recovery. The drop-in event gave attendees the opportunity to discover the different opportunities available to them as either future students or education providers.

The College of Operating Department Practitioners and UNISON declared Monday 14 May 2018 as National ODP Day with the anticipation that practitioners from across the country would come out from behind closed theatre doors and show the public more about their profession and how important they are to excellent patient care.

The School of Healthcare Sciences split the day across four areas and gave attendees the chance to experience the new simulation suite and chat to teaching staff, current students and future employers.

The education and learning zone highlighted teaching and facilities and Cardiff University. The practice and employability zone provided the chance to meet placement facilitators and future employers to find out about the exciting roles available. The student zone highlighted student life at Cardiff from current ODP students and the springboard zone a chance to chat and ask questions about the course. Plus have the opportunity to consider how the team could help demonstrate the skills and knowledge with regards ODP to prospective students considering careers.

The day provided a chance to network with clinical colleagues, meet aspiring practitioners and helped to raise the profile of our hidden profession. We will build on the success of this inaugural event by taking part in summer roadshow across Wales and giving more people the opportunity to find out about this fascinating career choice.

You can find out more about studying Operating Department Practice with us here.