Congratulations to our first group of Operating Department Practitioners to qualify through an apprenticeship scheme at UHDB
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton's (UHDB) first cohort of Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) apprentices are celebrating after qualifying from their three-year course with flying colours and securing their dream jobs at the Trust.
The new recruits join hundreds of others who have trained through the Trust's award-winning apprenticeship scheme, recognised by Ofsted for delivering high quality training and education, with a recent inspection rating the service 'good' >.
The apprentices started the degree-level course in January 2022 and were the first group to be offered this new way of becoming a registered ODP. Working in partnership with the University of Derby, the Trust's work experience team supported the apprentices to develop practical clinical skills in theatres alongside classroom learning - all while remaining in paid employment.
Michelle Davies was working as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) in day case theatres when she applied for the apprenticeship. She said the course has given her the confidence to face challenges in new environments and situations as she moves into registered practice.
Michelle said: "Balancing clinical working placements, academic learning and general life can become challenging, but is well worth it when your degree certificate arrives reminding you of how far you have come.
"There is still more to learn as a qualified practitioner and undertaking this apprenticeship is a commitment to lifelong learning beyond the three-year course, but the varied placements expose you to a variety of experiences that build the core skills to support this."
Michelle, alongside her fellow graduates and newly qualified ODPs did their clinical placements at Royal Derby Hospital, Queen's Hospital Burton and Sir Robert Peel Community Hospital.
The apprenticeship-degree programme offers our future workforce a different way to qualify as a Level 6 Operating Department Practitioner. This approach allows learners to work toward their degree, get practical clinical experience 'on the job', and also earn a wage. This flexible approach means we can attract and recruit a wider pool of talent into the NHS, by catering to the different learning needs of our future workforce.
There are currently 18 additional people working as Theatre Practitioners since the programme began which is making a difference to our theatre teams, with an additional 36 apprentices who will complete their training over the next two years.
Carly Moussa, Senior Clinical Educator for Theatre Education and an Operating Department Practitioner, said the apprentices are already integrated into the organisation which supports a smooth transition to working independently once they become a qualified practitioner and there are positive benefits to our patients who will receive exceptional care from these colleagues who have been trained 'on the job by our existing theatre teams.
"The apprentices didn't really know what type of workload they were going to encounter, but they showed such enthusiasm and resilience." - Carly Moussa, Senior Clinical Educator and ODP.
Carly said: "It was quite challenging for our theatre colleagues and our apprentices because it was a new way of working, but they embraced that and really supported each other."
ODP's play an important role to prepare patients before, during and after their operation and support the surgery teams with activities related to anaesthetics, surgery and recovery. They carry out a range of tasks, from supporting the anaesthetist and surgeons in theatres to providing clinical support during the management of cardiac arrests. They are strong advocates of patient safety, providing emotional support, reassurance and comfort to patients before and after surgery, and making sure they are safe and comfortable to return to wards.
Jenny Flint, clinical educator for the programme and ODP by background said, "My background is clinical, so I am really passionate about the role of ODPs and wanted to be a part of promoting their role and what they do. I think there is a misconception that we just play a supporting role in theatres, but we've got lots of invaluable transferable skills that allow us to work in different departments and it has been a real pleasure to watch the cohort working with our existing colleagues to develop their skills."
Michelle added: "My journey is ongoing, but it is amazing to reflect on where I started, to today, working as a registered Operating Department Practitioner at UHDB.
"It was an amazing opportunity, and I am grateful for having the bravery to go for it and all the support I have received from my wonderful colleagues along the way."
The success of the programme means that two more cohorts are lined up to qualify this year, with a further three cohorts to follow.