Celebrating Operating Department Practitioners (ODP) Day!

At Medway, the team of approximately 20 ODPs are the backbone of our operating theatres, working across anaesthetics, surgery, and recovery to ensure every patient receives the best possible care. From preparing patients for surgery, to assisting in life-saving procedures and supporting recovery, ODPs are there every step of the way.

Emily Powell, Matron for Perioperative Care, Theatres, who is also a qualified ODP, said:

“ODPs play a crucial role, providing high standards of skilled care and support during each phase of a patient’s perioperative care pathway, including anaesthetic, surgery and recovery. ODPs are also part of the Resus, Trauma and Obstetric teams, extending their valuable skills between different departments to provide the emergency care required.  The role is collaborative, person-centred and provides a holistic approach to the care our patients receive.’’

Tracey Dray, who started work at Medway in 1997, is the Principle ODP and Practice Development Facilitator in Main Theatres.

She said: “The role of an ODP is beneficial to all patients undergoing surgery and we also attend births in the obstetric operating theatres, as well as cardiac arrest and trauma calls. The role is forever expanding, and it allows us to branch out into other areas, including the Resuscitation Team and Simulation; one of our ODPs is even the Matron of the department. The role is exciting and every day is different and varied, not just clinically.’’

Grace Umagho, Senior Operating Department Practitioner, said: ‘’I started working originally as a teacher, but had a big interest in healthcare due to undergoing two operations. I wanted to know what went on behind the scenes of an operation, and found out about the ODP course, and decided to enrol – and later qualified. I have since been an ODP for 15 years. The people here at Medway are amazing, we work with the best team, and the rapport we have with patients is fantastic.’’

Nikitta Florey, Senior Operating Department Practitioner, said: ‘’The role is incredibly varied, and the work that we do is vitally important. Being an ODP is very rewarding and it is great to meet so many patients and work closely with colleagues including surgeons and anaesthetists, helping improve the lives of people we care for.’’