An awareness day highlighting the contribution of operating department practitioners (ODPs) to patient care will take place on Monday (14 May), UNISON has announced.
The first National ODP’s Day will be marked across the country with activities including operating theatre tours, bake sales, and careers talks at schools.
The College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP), which is affiliated to UNISON, has declared that the day will be an annual event to raise the profile of ODPs and their crucial NHS role.
ODPs work in operating theatres as well as in other areas within hospitals providing critical care. They work in the complex and busy environment of a hospital’s operating department and deliver personalised patient care.
The duties of the ODP involve working closely with doctors and other professionals to ensure that the care delivered to patients is in line with best practice and aims for a successful patient outcome.
UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said: “These dedicated NHS staff work tirelessly behind the scenes at every stage of an operation.
“They ensure patients receive the best care, from the moment someone is anaesthetised to their discharge back to the ward.
“The aim of this annual event is to celebrate their work and raise the profile of the profession.”
CODP president Hannah Abbott said: “We are delighted to celebrate the key role of the ODP in providing safe, high quality patient care both within the operating theatre and the wider hospital environment.
“We hope that this day will enable ODPs to share the diverse nature of their role with the public so that there can be a greater understanding of this exciting profession.”
Media contacts:
Sophie Goodchild T: 0207 121 5546 M: 07767 325595 E: press@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
