A day in the life a senior operating department practitioner

We spoke to Farhanaz Duymun to find out about the role of a senior operating department practitioner.

What is an operating department practitioner or ODP?

ODPs are highly trained healthcare professionals who work in operating theatres, providing care to patients before, during, and after surgery. Our role covers three main areas: anaesthetics, surgery (scrub), and recovery. I mainly work in anaesthetics and scrub, especially in orthopaedic surgery, though I support other specialties too.

When I’m working in anaesthetics, I assist the anaesthetist. I help prepare patients, equipment, and medication, and support the anaesthetist throughout the procedure.

On the scrub side, I assist during surgery, preparing all the sterile instruments and directly supporting the surgeon throughout the operation.

As a senior ODP, I also help lead the team, support junior staff, and make sure things run smoothly so we can deliver the best care to our patients. I step in for my managers when they’re away, making decisions and supporting the wider theatre team.

I also attend and assist with emergencies, including out-of-hours cases at night or on weekends. In these situations, I act as the team leader, coordinating with surgeons, anaesthetists, and other staff to make sure the emergency is handled quickly and safely. It’s a role that requires calm under pressure, clear communication, and clinical confidence, and it’s one I take great pride in.

Tell us about your typical day.

No two days are the same and that’s exactly what I love about it. I rotate between different theatres and often lead scrub teams depending on the surgical list.

On a typical day, I might:

• Assist in anaesthetics or scrub

• Support or mentor student ODPs or nurses on placement

• Troubleshoot equipment or staffing issues

• Attend planning or loan meetings if I’m deputising for management

It’s busy, varied, and constantly keeps me on my toes. I love teaching and helping the next generation of practitioners grow in confidence. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

Why is it important?

ODPs are essential to safe and effective surgical care, even though we often work behind the scenes. When people think of the operating theatre, they picture the surgeon or anaesthetist, but ODPs are the ones preparing everything, assisting throughout, and making sure the patient is safe and cared for at every step.

We’re trained to work across anaesthetics, surgery, and recovery, which gives us flexibility and a deep understanding of the whole patient journey.

For example, as a scrub practitioner, I:

• prepare and check all surgical instruments and equipment

• help position the patient safely for surgery

• maintain the sterile environment throughout the procedure

• directly assist the surgeon during the operation

When I’m circulating (another vital role), I manage everything outside the sterile field. This includes fetching equipment, documenting, and anticipating what the team might need.

In every role, our focus is patient safety, dignity, and advocacy. We are there for the patient from the moment they enter theatre until they leave.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The variety. Every day brings something new, whether it’s the type of surgery, the team I’m working with, or the challenges that come up. It keeps both my brain and hands busy.

I also work with a fantastic team. The support, shared focus, and yes, the banter, make all the difference, especially on the long days. There’s a real sense of purpose in knowing we’re helping people through some of the scariest moments of their lives. That never gets old.

What are you working on at the moment?

Right now, I’m working towards a move into management. I want to help shape how we deliver care, support staff, and improve processes, without losing touch with the clinical side.

I still love being hands-on with patients, but I also see how great leadership can transform a department. My goal is to lead by example and make things better not just for patients, but for the people I work with too.

 What are you most proud of?

I’m proud of how much I’ve grown. From starting out as a student to now being a senior team member that others come to for advice, it’s been a journey.

There have been tough days, but every challenge has taught me something. I’ve built up skills, confidence, and resilience, and I still genuinely love what I do. That’s something I never take for granted.

 What would you say to someone thinking of becoming an ODP?

Go for it! If you’re ready to work hard, stay calm under pressure, and sometimes eat lunch at 3pm.

It’s not a job that everyone knows about, but it’s a career that can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll be part of a close-knit team, constantly learning, and making a real difference every single day. If you like problem-solving, teamwork, and supporting people when they’re most vulnerable, you’ll fit right in.

#TeamGSTT

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