What Does an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) Do and What Is Their Salary?

An Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) is a regulated healthcare professional specializing in the three critical phases of a patient's surgical journey: anaesthetics, surgery, and recovery. In the UK, the average salary for an ODP is approximately £34,766, with opportunities for career progression into specialized or managerial roles.

What is an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)?

An Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) is a specialist clinician with a protected job title, one of only 15 such roles in UK healthcare. Their primary workplace is the operating theatre, but they can work in other areas like intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency departments after additional training. Essentially, they are pivotal in organizing and delivering safe and effective patient care before, during, and after surgery.

What Are the Three Primary Roles of an ODP?

ODPs specialize in three core areas, each with distinct responsibilities. During their training, they gain supervised experience in all of them.

1. Anaesthetics Phase?

In this phase, the ODP assists the anaesthetist. This requires a deep understanding of anatomy, pharmacology, and various anaesthetic techniques. Their duties are patient-focused and technical:

• Preparing the anaesthetic room and checking all equipment.
• Greeting and reassuring patients before anaesthesia.
• Assisting with the administration of anaesthetics.
• Monitoring the patient's vital signs and troubleshooting equipment issues.

2. Surgery Phase?

During surgery, an ODP can work in one of two key roles: the scrubbed practitioner or the circulating practitioner.

• Scrubbed ODP: This professional works directly within the sterile field, passing instruments to the surgeon and anticipating their needs. They are responsible for maintaining sterility and tracking all surgical instruments.
• Circulating ODP: This role acts as a link between the sterile team and the rest of the hospital. Their duties include fetching additional equipment, liaising with other departments, and ensuring the theatre environment remains safe and organized.

3. Recovery Phase?

The recovery phase involves one-on-one care as the patient wakes from anaesthesia. The ODP’s role here is to monitor the patient's vital signs, manage pain relief, and ensure a stable handover to a ward or ICU. This requires excellent decision-making skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

What is the Typical Salary for an ODP?

Based on data from ok.com, the average base salary for an Operating Department Practitioner in the UK is around £34,766 per year. It's important to note that this figure can vary based on geographical location, years of experience, and the specific NHS trust or private healthcare provider.

What Are the Career Progression Opportunities for an ODP?

An ODP career offers diverse pathways for advancement. With experience and further training, ODPs can move into roles such as:

• Surgical Care Practitioner: Assisting with surgical procedures under a consultant's supervision.
• Anaesthesia Associate: A higher-level role in administering anaesthesia.
• Management: Becoming a departmental manager or team leader.
• Education: Working as a university lecturer or training practitioner.

To become an ODP, you typically need a two-year diploma or a three-year degree in Operating Department Practice, which includes developing essential skills like communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.