Operating theatres
close-knit dynamic creates a positive, resilient environment where everyone feels valued and works together to deliver exceptional patient care. “Traditionally there has been an authority
grading within the theatre environment and ODPs have helped to positively disrupt this; they are a great ally to the surgical team, as they see the patient pre- and post-op, and are vital to the smooth running of the theatre,” said Nick. “We are a real team here, and everyone is so
inclusive and supportive of each other,” said Chloe Martin, a Student ODP at The Walton Centre. “Being an ODP is a very rewarding career,
and I like the fact you can help one patient at a time,” said Jess Graney, an Anaesthetic ODP at The Walton Centre. “There are long hours, and it is hard work, but it’s all worth it when you see patients come out the other end. “We spend time reflecting in a group, which supports everyone’s well-being, as working in theatre can be quite intense, and it’s important that people get time to talk about their experiences.”
Jess said a typical weekly shift pattern for an ODP would be a couple of 8am to 6pm shifts, a couple of 8am to 5pm shifts, and one long day of 8am to 8pm. ODPs wear many hats. Whether they’re in anaesthetics, scrub, or recovery, their job is to make sure each patient receives the safest, most compassionate care possible throughout their surgical journey. There is a defined pattern to each day, with
a full team brief, much checking and cross- checking, and following of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, which covers protocol for patient sign-in before induction of anaesthesia, a time out before skin incision, and sign out before the patient leaves the operating room. A typical day in the life of an ODP comprises:
Arrive and prepare theatre l Set up anaesthetic and surgical equipment l Ensure all necessary supplies are available and functioning
Machine and equipment checks l Anaesthetic machine checks. l Suction and airway equipment. l Drugs prepared and labelled correctly.
Team brief l Participate in the multidisciplinary briefing. l Review surgical list and patient considerations.
Patient collection from ward l Confirm identity and consent. l Ensure patient is prepped and ready.
Safety checks l Right patient, right procedure, right site, right time.
Pre-operative checks l Confirm documentation.
l Allergies, NBM status, and observations.
Anaesthetic room l Assist with monitoring and induction. l Prepare airway and IV access.
WHO Surgical Safety Checklist l Sign-in phase: initial checks and confirmation.
WHO Checklist “Time-Out” in theatre l Final verification with the whole team before incision.
During surgery l Assist with patient care and maintain sterile field.
l Monitor patient and respond to changes.
WHO Checklist - “Sign Out” l Confirm procedure completion. l Count instruments and swabs. l Document and sign off.
Post-op care l Wake patient and secure airway. l Monitor vitals and ensure stability.
Transfer to recovery l Handover to recovery team. l Share important intraoperative details.
Documentation and forms l Complete all necessary paperwork and digital records.
Prepare for next case l Clean and reset theatre. l Re-check equipment and drugs.
Repeat for next patient l Maintain consistent safety and care standards throughout the day.
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I June 2025
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