People across the country are being urged to recognise the work of operating department practitioners (ODPs) in caring for patients during the Coronavirus pandemic, says UNISON today (Thursday)
To mark annual National ODP Day today, the union and the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP) are encouraging everyone to give an extra clap at 8pm this evening on their doorsteps for these NHS staff.
ODPs work in operating theatres as well as in other areas within hospitals providing critical care. Their job is to provide complex care to patients at all stages of their operation, including the anaesthetic and recovery.
Celebrations are taking place across the region today, including at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth where an outdoor tea party is being held for the 160 ODPs employed there.
UNISON area organiser, Simon Wintle said:
“One of the main aims of the day is to raise the profile of ODPs who are often not recognised due to the fact their work is so often behind closed doors.
“On ODP day in previous years we have thanked ODPs in person and taken cakes in for them; this year we can’t do that so we are sharing images and stories of our ODPs on-line with the hashtag #ODPDay.
“2020 is a very special year for the CODP, as it is the 75th anniversary of the founding of the College.”
University Hospital Plymouth Trust Head of Perioperative Education Theatre Central, Katy Griffiths said:
“ODP day 2020 will be memorable as we celebrate how ODPs have been deployed to critical care areas across the nation as part of the COVID19 pandemic.
“ODPs train as specialists in the operating theatre and their expert airway skills have been invaluable during this time. This demonstrates the adaptability of the role beyond the operating theatre and the can-do attitude of the profession.”
