Operating theatres
Some days, the theatre lists will run smoothly, but complications can and do occur. Oliver Tierney, an ODP who has worked in healthcare since 1999, is now the Clinical Lead for Education, Risk and Governance at The Walton Centre, and the new AfPP President. “We work in an incredibly dynamic, complex
environment and the team here does incredible things,” said Oliver. “It’s wonderful to see seriously unwell people leave here and return to their lives and families, and that’s one of the massive upsides of being an ODP; to be part of that. There is a lot of everyday work in a hospital theatre, but at the core of it all is patient safety and it’s vital we areefficient in that. There can be a lot of pressure in a hospital theatre, but we are all drilled to deal with this.”
Why consider a career as an ODP? As an ODP you are exposed to advanced technology, specialist procedures, and have many career progression opportunities.
The rewards? l Real-time impact on patient outcomes. l A dynamic, fast-paced environment l Team camaraderie and a deep sense of purpose.
The challenges? l Physically and emotionally demanding. l Irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and on-calls.
l Stressful situations requiring resilience and quick decision-making.
Career progression & opportunities “Don’t ever think that qualifying as an ODP is the end of it; there are so many progression opportunities available,” said Oliver, adding: “Qualifying as an ODP is just the beginning
of a career that can take you in unexpected directions.”
Oliver is a prime example. He became a healthcare assistant thanks to his mother; when he took a gap-year job at a local go kart centre after his A levels. She had other ideas, and secured him a job as a healthcare assistant. He then did a couple of years of nursing training, before deciding it wasn’t for him, training instead as an ODP. He later became a Clinical Skills Facilitator, then a Practice Education Facilitator, before moving into his current role as Lead for Education, Risk and Governance in May 2022. ODPs are now registered professionals, and the opportunities for development are growing all the time. You might move into: l Advanced roles like Surgical First Assistant or Anaesthesia Associate
l Education or clinical teaching l Management and leadership l Research roles, especially in specialist centres like The Walton Centre
Pay
An entry level ODP starts on a salary of £29,969, which can increase to £36,483 within five years, and £44,962 after 10 years, dependent on applying for promotion, and can be more depending on banding and role (Figure as of April 2025). There is also the option to do overtime and on-call work.
Final thoughts If you’re considering a career where no two days are the same, where you’re constantly learning, and where your skills have a direct impact on saving lives, then becoming an ODP might just be your calling. “I just love everything about being an ODP; I
Oliver Tierney, an ODP and now AfPP President, highlights ODPs’ vital role.
enjoy caring for people,” said Chloe. “I don’t think the role of an ODP is widely recognised enough.
We do a lot of things, and theatre would not run the same without us.” Oliver said: “ODPs care for patients at their most vulnerable and are their eyes and ears during the perioperative phases; they deserve to be recognised and valued for the great work they do.”
CSJ
Acknowledgement The AfPP would like to thank The Walton Centre for their warm welcome and for allowing the opportunity to spend time with their incredible theatre team, in order to share an inspiring look at a day in the life of an ODP
.
About the Author
Susan Preston is the Marketing Manager at The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP). With over 30 years’ experience in journalism, marketing, PR, and communications, she brings a wealth of expertise and strategic insight to her role. Known for her collaborative approach and results-driven mindset, Susan also enjoys golf, skiing, and creative pursuits in her spare time.
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