13 May 2021
This Friday, we recognise national Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) Day by celebrating personal and professional diversity within the profession.
Karena Ryan, Practice Development Sister, said: "Here in Jersey, we are celebrating ODP day and the contribution of this profession to healthcare. We are looking behind the closed doors of the operating department to find out a little more about ODPs and the opportunities here in Jersey to consider ODP as a career."
"ODPs are Allied Health Professionals whose primary role takes place behind the closed doors of the operating department, as members of the anaesthesia team, surgical team or caring for patients during the immediate post anaesthetic recovery phase.
The department has issued a video about ODPs as part of a recruitment drive. The video can be viewed here.
"Increasingly, ODPs can be found working outside of theatres or, indeed, outside of the hospital itself. However, many people do not know about these healthcare professionals and the crucial role they have in our hospital. In the past year, many of our ODPs supported our nursing colleagues in critical care and were redeployed as part of the COVID-19 response. In Jersey, ODPs can be found working in the Pain Clinic, Emergency department, Orthopaedic surgical team, Trauma and Obstetric teams, Surgical First Assistance, and in Management. In Jersey, we can provide a career opportunity and access to the exciting and rewarding professional life of an ODP."
As well as moving from within existing healthcare groups, ODPs can complete a 3-year BSc (Hons) ODP programme in Jersey. Jersey Theatres provide a clinical learning environment for student ODPs recruited locally and there are currently four students on the programme, with more due to start in September and January.
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