Draft National Operating Department Practitioners Day 2026

On Thursday, 14 May the Trust is celebrating all our Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs).

They provide high standards of skilled care and support during each phase of a person’s care – anaesthetic, surgery and recovery.

Read their profiles below: 

Seeing the turnaround from surgery to recovery is an amazing experience

Nikayla is a second-year student ODP who works in our Cardiac services. Having started her career in Medical Records back in 2015, she knew from the start that her vocation was to be in a clinical role. Nikayla said “I’ve always known that I wanted to be able to help people, to be their voice and advocate for others. I wanted to be someone who can nurture people back to health. Seeing people get better and the turnaround from surgery to recovery is an amazing experience.”

Several of Nikayla’s family members work at the Trust, including her partner, her Mum and her sister who is a third-year midwife. She says, “I learn so much, meet and work with so many experienced people within the multidisciplinary team such as the nurses and anaesthetists”.

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an ODP?

“Be willing to learn every day, expect the unexpected! There are amazing opportunities as a student on placement. The PEF (Practice Education Facilitator) team are so supportive, they are such an asset as a student.”

Theatre is my heart and soul

Senior Lead Theatre Practitioner Siji joined the Trust over 20 years ago, having qualified in India in 1999 and then being invited to work in the UK in 2004. Siji’s husband Babu and son Alfie also work at the Trust.

Siji said “I loved theatre from the very first day and I love the different specialities. My colleagues are like my family…the support we give each other as well as the support we receive whilst providing the best care. Theatre can be a daunting area and we understand that people feel vulnerable but we all work as a team in the best interests of the patients. Theatre is my heart and soul!”

What advice would you give to someone considering working in theatre?

“It’s a really safe working area, a good place to build a career and to move forward. There is lots of support for development.”

It’s so rewarding – you do make a difference to a patient’s journey

David was considering becoming a paramedic but then saw an advert for an ODP course. He started his training at the Trust in 2013, qualified in 2016 and stayed here at Blackpool.

David said “The best thing is the variety of the job and dealing with all the different specialities and challenges, which stops it becoming repetitive. There’s a good mix of routine and opportunities to learn new things. For such a big team, there’s lots of excellent team work. The role is still not really well known but it’s one that’s truly valued and respected.”

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an ODP?

“If you’re prepared to commit to self-development and increasing your learning, go for it! There are lots of opportunities. After 10 years in the role, it’s still rewarding – you do make a difference to a patient’s journey.

It’s been the best job in the world, from day one

George is a trainee ODP who’s currently in his second year having previously worked as an ambulance technician giving one-to-one care. George was inspired to change his career direction a few years ago, having had surgery himself and being impressed by the care received from ODPs during his stay.

He then spoke to Theatre Practice Development Nurse, Gavin Leeming and spent “a day in the clogs” shadowing a theatres colleague. After that insight and with his mind made up, he applied to the apprenticeship route. Reflecting on what he enjoys most, George said: “Surgery can be so uncertain and scary for patients. Meeting them, advocating for them and for their wellbeing is paramount.

“Directly caring for patients on anaesthetics and recovery is my favourite aspect. We get to work across multiple areas in the hospital within anaesthetics, recovery and scrub. I particularly enjoy the technical aspects of the scrub practitioner’s role.”

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming an ODP?

“There are lots of avenues, it’s an exciting time to join the profession. If you want a job where every day is different and you are fulfilled by getting the best for the patients, this is it. It’s been the best job in the world, right from day one.”