Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Theatre Practitioner / Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)

The closing date is 22 July 2025

Job summary

Are you a committed and passionate Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) ready to take the next step in your career? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, patient-centred environment where teamwork and clinical excellence come together?

We're looking for dedicated ODPs like you to join our compassionate and friendly General Theatres team, where you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference in delivering exceptional care to our patients throughout their surgical journey.

In this hands-on, vocational role, you'll work alongside skilled and supportive professionals, including anaesthetists, consultants, registrars, nurses, and other trained staff, all united by a common goal of ensuring patient safety and achieving high-quality outcomes.

With 15 theatres across the Trust, 10 of which are within our general theatres, you'll play an essential role in an environment where your expertise is valued, and your contributions directly impact the patient journey.

Torbay Hospital provides acute care to the local community, with several community hospitals nearby. It's an ideal location for those considering living by the sea, or within half an hour of Dartmoor National Park, and just an hour from Exmoor National Park. Plymouth and Exeter are also a short drive away, offering a rich cultural scene, maritime history, and excellent shopping experiences.

Main duties of the job

  • Support anaesthetists, ensuring all equipment is set up and ready for use
  • Assist anaesthetist in a wide range of surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort
  • Forward plan for the upcoming theatre schedule and communicate the surgical plan effectively with the team
  • Provide expert care during the perioperative phase, ensure patients wellbeing has been considered at every step
  • Support patients during their pre-op and post-surgery, offering emotional support to them and their families
  • Work across both surgery and recovery areas, you will also be responsible for responding to emergency treatment situations in areas such as ED/Resus, CT, MRI, and Midwifery.

About us

From the moment you join us, we're dedicated to supporting your growth and development. We believe in investing time and resources to help you expand your skill set, whether that's through learning new techniques or building on your existing expertise.

You'll be guided by a senior management team that has grown within the organisation. They'll assess your training and skill knowledge to ensure you receive the support you need to progress in your career. You'll also have the opportunity to enhance your leadership and management skills through on-the-job training, helping you grow into a more confident and capable professional.

Our current Matron began his career journey as a porter and was fortunate to receive the opportunity for professional development, allowing him to study as an Operating Department Practitioner. After qualifying, he earned several promotions over the years, progressing into roles such as Theatre Team Lead and Theatre Manager. Today, he proudly serves as the Matron for all of our Theatres!

Care to join us and be part of an organisation that invests in your future!

Details

Date posted

08 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

388-7133889-AHP-A

Job locations

General Theatres, Torbay Hospital

Lawes Bridge

Torquay

TQ2 7AA


Job description

Job responsibilities

  • HCPC registered ODP with experience in general theatres (or a related field).
  • Individuals with analytical skills to assess, plan and evaluate patient care
  • Strong teamwork skills and the ability to work under pressure.
  • Passionate about our patients care and providing high-quality clinical support.
  • Excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Our service operates 24/7, and with easy onsite parking, you can start your day with one less thing to worry about. Below is an overview of our shift patterns:

  • Main Day Shift: 08:00 18:00
  • Late Shift: 12:30 21:30
  • Night Shift: 21:30 08:30

Well work with you to find the right balance of shifts that suit you and the needs of the service. Plus, you'll benefit from additional pay for unsocial hours, recognising the valuable contribution you make.

Check out the attached example roster to get an idea of what to expect.

Job description

Job responsibilities

  • HCPC registered ODP with experience in general theatres (or a related field).
  • Individuals with analytical skills to assess, plan and evaluate patient care
  • Strong teamwork skills and the ability to work under pressure.
  • Passionate about our patients care and providing high-quality clinical support.
  • Excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Our service operates 24/7, and with easy onsite parking, you can start your day with one less thing to worry about. Below is an overview of our shift patterns:

  • Main Day Shift: 08:00 18:00
  • Late Shift: 12:30 21:30
  • Night Shift: 21:30 08:30

Well work with you to find the right balance of shifts that suit you and the needs of the service. Plus, you'll benefit from additional pay for unsocial hours, recognising the valuable contribution you make.

Check out the attached example roster to get an idea of what to expect.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

  • Registered Operating Department Practitioner (HCPC)

Desirable

  • Post registration theatre experience and / or qualification

Knowledge and experience

Essential

  • Ability to assess, plan and evaluate patient care
  • Effective verbal and written communications skills
  • Able to work as a member of a team

Desirable

  • Evidence of continuous education and professional development
  • Mentorship qualification

Specific skills

Essential

  • IT skills
  • Organisational and leadership skills
  • Research and development awareness

Desirable

  • Multiskilling - demonstrate competency in anaesthetics, surgery and recovery
Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

  • Registered Operating Department Practitioner (HCPC)

Desirable

  • Post registration theatre experience and / or qualification

Knowledge and experience

Essential

  • Ability to assess, plan and evaluate patient care
  • Effective verbal and written communications skills
  • Able to work as a member of a team

Desirable

  • Evidence of continuous education and professional development
  • Mentorship qualification

Specific skills

Essential

  • IT skills
  • Organisational and leadership skills
  • Research and development awareness

Desirable

  • Multiskilling - demonstrate competency in anaesthetics, surgery and recovery

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Address

General Theatres, Torbay Hospital

Lawes Bridge

Torquay

TQ2 7AA


Employer's website

https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Address

General Theatres, Torbay Hospital

Lawes Bridge

Torquay

TQ2 7AA


Employer's website

https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Principal ODP (Anaesthetics)/Theatre Manager

Richard Adams

richard.adams2@nhs.net

01803656436

Details

Date posted

08 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

388-7133889-AHP-A

Job locations

General Theatres, Torbay Hospital

Lawes Bridge

Torquay

TQ2 7AA


Supporting documents

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