Operating Department Practitioners (ODP) Day 14th May 2025

What is an ODP?

Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) work and provide expert care in operating departments where patients undergo surgical procedures. They fall under a group of staff known as Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and collectively AHPs are the third largest workforce in the National Health Service. We pride ourselves on being among the most flexible and adaptable of the AHPs.

Operating Department Practitioners are highly skilled members of the team who care for patients during their surgical procedure. The role of the Operating Department Practitioner covers three phases of the patient’s journey when having an operation; Anaesthetics, Surgical and Recovery. Good communication skills are key to the role to reassure and support the patient through their operative journey. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology to provide high quality care in anaesthetics,  a full understanding of the surgical procedure to provide support to the surgical team and be able to provide one to one care whilst closely monitoring a patient in the post op care setting.

Who are the College of Operating Department Practitioners?

The College of Operating Department Practitioners is the professional body for Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs). Like the General Medical Council, (GMC) Royal College of Midwives, (RCM), or The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), it is only fitting that ODPs have a nationally recognised body to represent their interests.

The College provides support and advice to its members and represents ODPs in aspects of professional, educational and workplace matters.  It has membership on national committees, advisory groups and responds to consultations set by government and other professional and registrant bodies.

National Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) Day 14th May 2025 

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Operating Department Practitioner profession.  Termed as an ‘Oak Anniversary’, the oak signifies strength and commitment. 

Operating Department Practitioners are the most committed healthcare professionals. Committed to caring for their patients throughout the patients’ surgical journey, committed to caring for their learners, committed to caring for each other.