Theatre Practitioner / Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)

Job overview

Are you a committed and passionate Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) ready to take the next step in your career? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, patient-centred environment where teamwork and clinical excellence come together?

We’re looking for dedicated ODPs like you to join our compassionate and friendly General Theatres team, where you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in delivering exceptional care to our patients throughout their surgical journey.

In this hands-on, vocational role, you’ll work alongside skilled and supportive professionals, including anaesthetists, consultants, registrars, nurses, and other trained staff, all united by a common goal of ensuring patient safety and achieving high-quality outcomes.

With 15 theatres across the Trust, 10 of which are within our general theatres, you’ll play an essential role in an environment where your expertise is valued, and your contributions directly impact the patient journey.

Plymouth and Exeter are also a short drive away, offering a rich cultural scene, maritime history, and excellent shopping experiences.

• Support anaesthetists, ensuring all equipment is set up and ready for use
• Assist anaesthetist in a wide range of surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort
• Forward plan for the upcoming theatre schedule and communicate the surgical plan effectively with the team
• Provide expert care during the perioperative phase, ensure patients wellbeing has been considered at every step
• Support patients during their pre-op and post-surgery, offering emotional support to them and their families
• Work across both surgery and recovery areas, you will also be responsible for responding to emergency treatment situations in areas such as ED/Resus, CT, MRI, and Midwifery.

Working for our organisation

From the moment you join us, we’re dedicated to supporting your growth and development. We believe in investing time and resources to help you expand your skill set, whether that’s through learning new techniques or building on your existing expertise.

You’ll be guided by a senior management team that has grown within the organisation. They’ll assess your training and skill knowledge to ensure you receive the support you need to progress in your career. You’ll also have the opportunity to enhance your leadership and management skills through on-the-job training, helping you grow into a more confident and capable professional.

• Each month, you'll have half a day dedicated to theatre education, focusing on important topics like Anaesthetics, allowing you to build on your knowledge and stay current with the latest practices.
• You will be offered skill development sessions in advanced life support, airways management, and patient transport skills, ensuring you're fully prepared for any situation.
• You'll benefit from intra-hospital education programs, giving you the chance to learn from different areas within the Trust and broaden your experience. We encourage you to participate in university modules and study days, giving you the chance to keep learning and advancing your career.
• Take part in organ retrieval study days to gain unique insights and enhance your skills in this vital area of care.

As you continue to develop, it will open up opportunities to explore new roles within the Trust, including positions such as a Surgical Care Practitioner or Anaesthetic Associate. Our success stories speak for themselves:

• In the last year, two of our ODPs have progressed to train as Anaesthetic Associates, showing the real opportunities for career advancement!
• Several team members have completed postgraduate master’s degrees, enhancing their skills and expertise.
• Our education department has supported staff through apprenticeship routes, ensuring our workforce grows its own talent and produces qualified ODPs.
• Our current Matron began his career journey as a porter and was fortunate to receive the opportunity for professional development, allowing him to study as an Operating Department Practitioner. After qualifying, he earned several promotions over the years, progressing into roles such as Theatre Team Lead and Theatre Manager. Today, he proudly serves as the Matron for all of our Theatres!

Care to join us and be part of an organisation that invests in your future!

• HCPC registered ODP with experience in general theatres (or a related field).
• Individuals with analytical skills to assess, plan and evaluate patient care
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• Passionate about our patients care and providing high-quality clinical support.
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Our service operates 24/7, and with easy onsite parking, you can start your day with one less thing to worry about. Below is an overview of our shift patterns:

• Main Day Shift: 08:00 – 18:00
• Late Shift: 12:30 – 21:30
• Night Shift: 21:30 – 08:30

We’ll work with you to find the right balance of shifts that suit you and the needs of the service. Plus, you'll benefit from additional pay for unsocial hours, recognising the valuable contribution you make.

Check out the attached example roster to get an idea of what to expect.

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

• Registered Operating Department Practitioner (HCPC)

• Post registration theatre experience and / or qualification

Knowledge and experience

• Ability to assess, plan and evaluate patient care
• Effective verbal and written communications skills
• Able to work as a member of a team

• Evidence of continuous education and professional development
• Mentorship qualification

Specific skills

• IT skills
• Organisational and leadership skills
• Research and development awareness

• Multiskilling – demonstrate competency in anaesthetics, surgery and recovery

You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are working to improve the way we deliver safe, high-quality health and social care. We have a positive and vibrant working atmosphere, we are proud of our investment in our staff both in terms of developing potential career skills and valuing people.

If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer-friendly employer. We have a ‘Staff Carers’ policy which includes flexible working where possible and a Carer’s Passport scheme that links you into support and discounts.

• We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we encourage you to apply promptly.
• Please read the job description carefully and tailor your application to reflect the requirements of the role.
• Applicants who identify in their application form they are a part of the Armed Forces community will be guaranteed an interview, provided they meet the minimum essential criteria outlined in the job description and person specification for the role. Step into Health guidance can be found on our NHS Employers website.
• Correspondence will be sent via Trac, text, and email. Please ensure you check your email and Trac account regularly.
• Applicants with no previous NHS experience will ordinarily be appointed to the minimum of the band.
• If you have not received an invitation to interview within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
• It is your responsibility to ensure the timely receipt of appropriate references.

If you require support you can obtain this from our Equality Business Forum which has representatives from all protected groups.