Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner

The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust

The closing date is 07 February 2025

Job summary

The Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner (AODP) role is an exciting opportunity to join the Operating Department at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, which includes Pinderfields General Hospital, Pontefract General Infirmary, and Dewsbury District Hospital.

This apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with Derby University, offers the chance to study for a BSc in Operating Department Practice, enabling you to qualify as a Registered Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Key Details:

Salary: AfC Band 3 - £24,071 to £25,674 per annum.
Contract: 3-year fixed term, full-time basis.
Structure: A blend of work-based learning within Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust and online academic study through Derby University.
Learning Format: Blended online teaching, including live sessions, directed/self-directed study, with assessment methods such as coursework, assessments, and examinations.
Work Environment: You will be part of a dynamic Operating Theatre Team, gaining hands-on experience in perioperative practice.
Development Support: Comprehensive support to build the skills and knowledge needed for the evolving healthcare sector.
Placement Experience: Exposure to various perioperative practices to achieve course learning outcomes and prepare for registration.

This apprenticeship offers a rare opportunity to earn a salary while pursuing a professional degree and gaining practical experience in a highly rewarding field.

Main duties of the job

Main Duties of the Apprentice Operating Department Practitioner (AODP):

Patient Care & Safety: Provide high-quality care throughout the perioperative journey, ensuring patient dignity, comfort, and safety.
Clinical Support: Prepare operating theatres, set up surgical equipment, maintain a sterile environment, and assist the surgical team during procedures.
Anaesthetic Assistance: Work alongside anaesthetists to prepare and check equipment, assist with patient monitoring under anaesthesia, and respond to emergencies.
Post-Operative Care: Support patient recovery by monitoring vital signs and ensuring safe transfer to other departments.
Learning & Development: Engage in the BSc Operating Department Practice degree with Derby University through blended online learning and practical placements. Complete coursework, simulations, and examinations.
Professional Standards: Adhere to HCPC standards, ensuring confidentiality, infection control, and health & safety compliance.
Team Collaboration: Work as part of a multidisciplinary operating department team, including surgeons, anaesthetists, and nurses, ensuring effective communication and seamless care delivery.

This role combines hands-on clinical training with academic learning, preparing you for professional registration as an ODP.

About us

We are an acute trust caring for over half a million people in Wakefield and Kirklees. Our 10,000 staff work in patients homes, the community, and our three hospitals in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Pinderfields (Wakefield). We prioritise our people and values so we can deliver the best possible care to patients. Our team is friendly, passionate, and innovative, always seeking better ways to work.

We support work-life balance and foster a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Our staff networks offer safe spaces to share ideas and concerns so we can increase awareness and appreciation of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities or neurodivergence to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in the Trust.

If you value caring, high standards, improvement, and respect, join the MY team to make a difference every day.

Application guidance: We understand that more applicants are using AI technology to help with their applications. While these tools can be useful, they cannot fully capture your skills, knowledge, and experience. Its important that you personalise your application. Relying solely on AI is not recommended, as it may reduce your chances of success. Our screening process is thorough, so if you have used AI, please make sure to disclose this on your application form.

Date posted

10 January 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,071 to £25,674 a year

Contract

Apprenticeship

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9377-SURG2211

Job locations

Pinderfields Hospital

Aberford Road

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF1 4DG

Pontefract Health Authority

Southgate

Pontefract

West Yorkshire

WF8 1PL

Dewsbury & District Hospital

Halifax Road

Dewsbury

West Yorkshire

WF13 4HS

Job description

Job responsibilities

Deliver safe, high-quality care adhering to the HCPC Code of Practice and national professional standards.

Provide individualised patient care and maintain efficient patient flow within the operating department.

Communicate effectively with the multidisciplinary team, contributing to team briefs and safety pauses.

Maintain and manage equipment, ensuring proper functioning and reporting faults promptly.

Develop skills in patient positioning, pressure area care, and provide emotional reassurance throughout the perioperative journey.

Respond appropriately to emergencies and unplanned situations using acquired skills and knowledge.

Ensure accurate documentation and use of electronic record systems (Aqua).

Uphold patient advocacy, maintaining a welcoming, safe, and caring environment.

Deliver care based on current evidence-based practice and guidelines.

Clinical Governance

Work under supervision to assess and plan patient-centred care in theatres.

Adapt to changes in best practice through effective change management.

Perform diagnostic, monitoring, and treatment procedures safely, including:

Anaesthetic, surgical, and post-anaesthesia care interventions.

Airway management, cannulation, catheterisation, and manual handling.

Use of anaesthetic equipment and pharmacological interventions.

Surgical assistance including scrub duties and aseptic techniques.

Maintain life support certifications as required.

Ensure proper handling and management of surgical instruments and clinical specimens.

Monitor patient recovery, including airway, circulation, fluid balance, and pain management.

Adhere to Trust policies on infection control, health and safety, and manual handling.

Educational Responsibilities

Commit to the 3-year Apprenticeship Programme and achieve a BSc (Hons) in Operating Department Practice.

Engage fully in academic and practical components of the programme, including:

Attending online tutorials and university study sessions.

Completing clinical competencies, assessments, and portfolio work.

Attending trust-based education sessions and regular mentorship reviews.

Demonstrate self-directed learning and timely submission of assignments.

Proactively seek feedback and guidance to support professional development.