Operating department practitioners – known as ODPs – are a key part of our surgical teams.
They’re vital in supporting patients, as well as surgeons and anaesthetists before, during and after an operation. Their role includes setting up a theatre, preparing equipment and medicines as well as talking to patients and caring for them when they have their operation.
This week we’re celebrating our ODPs and sharing the stories of four of our team.
Brendan Cook is a senior operating department practitioner (ODP) who works as both an anaesthetic and scrub practitioner at Colchester Hospital, and has worked in theatres for more than 10 years.
Brendan said: “Patient wellbeing is at the centre of everything I do. I’m passionate about supporting patients through every stage of their surgical journey, ensuring they feel safe, informed, and well cared for.
“I like to think I’m calm and compassionate and help create a reassuring and efficient theatre environment.
“In my role I work closely with multidisciplinary (MDT) teams to deliver high standards of care, always striving for the best possible outcomes for patients.”
Katie Sherwood is an ODP by background and now in the role as a clinical education lead for theatres and anaesthetics at Ipswich Hospital.
Katie said: “My role is about educating other ODPs. I look after all 22 theatre suites at Ipswich Hospital. Ever since I was a student I grew a passion for the quality of education and want to empower others by providing the best quality teaching and guidance possible.
“I oversee student and post-reg placements and support them during their time at the hospital, which involves supporting their learning, troubleshooting and reviewing how they’re getting on.
“An ODP is a really varied role with three main pillars: anaesthetics, surgery and recovery.”
Aleena Joseph is an international ODP who moved from India around two years ago to continue her career in a new healthcare setting at Colchester Hospital.
She said: “The team here is really supportive and everyone is so approachable. Teamwork is a really central part of how we work every day.
“I’ve settled in quickly and grown in confidence, which I think is because my colleagues in the theatre team work so well together. We all want the same thing – to make sure the patient has safe, high-quality care.
“Knowing everyone in the team is working for the same goal is really motivating. Being an ODP is exciting and rewarding.”
Suhel Kalam is a senior ODP who joined the Trust in 2013 and went on to qualify as an ODP in 2017. Suhel works at Colchester Hospital and has developed a strong foundation of experience within the theatre environment, growing his clinical expertise and confidence in practice.
He said: “I really enjoy how varied the role is, with opportunities to work across different specialities and alongside diverse teams.
“Things change rapidly, so no two days are the same but I really like that as it keeps the work engaging and stimulating.
“This mix of challenges and collaboration mean the role is highly rewarding and fulfilling.”
More information about ODPs and the role is available on the NHS careers website.
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