ODP Job Role

An Operating Department Practitioner is responsible for the assessment, implementation
and evaluation of peri-operative care programmes.

Roles vary but clinically, he/she may be required to work as a anaesthetic assistant, scrubbed surgical assistant, circulating assistant or recovery room practitioner.

He/she may also take responsibility for the work of a team of theatre staff for a span of duty or operating list.

Anaesthetic assistants work in supporting the anaesthetists and multi-skilling is usually encouraged for those wishing to broaden their range of clinical skills.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. To assist theatre staff.
2. To ensure high standards of practice through example.
3. To be able to demonstrate a speciality knowledge within a defined clinical area's.
4. To participate in focused patient care.
5. To maintain and improve personal knowledge of current trends and developments
within operating theatre practice.
6. To assist in liaison and communication with hospital department and medical
staff.
7. To maintain accurate records of patient care.
8. To ensure all Health & Safety measures are followed according to local policies.
9. To report all incidents, accidents and complaints to Theatre Manager or acting
deputy or senior theatre nurse.
10. To participate in the induction of new theatre staff.
11. To undertake other duties within the scope of the post as agreed with senior staff
or departmental manager.
12. Ensuring correct labelling and dispatching of pathology specimens from theatre to
other sites.
16. To understand and adhere to policies relating to the security and control of
drugs as laid down by the employing organisation.

LIAISON AND COMMUNICATION
1. Co-operation with medical, receptionist and theatre staff in appropriate
circumstances in calling patients to the operating department according to the
standard Policy and procedures,
2. Report to the theatre manager as requested.
3. Ensuring the maintenance of good relationships and teamwork between other
disciplines and staff.
4. Participating in regular meetings of the operating department team
5. Co-ordinating, in appropriate circumstances, the arrival and departure of patients
and staff from other departments such as X-ray or laboratory.
6. Developing and discussing with the theatre manager new ideas and methods of
procedure when appropriate.

THEATRE SAFETY
1. Ensuring the implementation of safety measures in relation to swab, instrument and needle counts, the storage and administration ofblood and drugs; ionising radiation; static electricity/explosion hazards; fire and departmental cleaning are adhered to.

2. Checking, receiving and relaying to the theatre manager, reports concerning the
state of the following within the department :
• Heating
• Lighting
• Ventilation
• Fabric Maintenance
• Routine Maintenance
• The integrity of piped gas supply

3. Ensuring the disposal of contaminated matter in accordance with standard policy procedures and governing body requirements.