University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP) Apprentice Operating Department Practitioners will be based at UHP as a paid employee in Theatre Central. During the Apprenticeship they will be allocated to their current employer as a HCSW for 40% of the contracted hours, with 20% of their time spent on study for theory. The 40% practice hours will either be in practice placements or, during theory modules they will remain in their current employment, undertaking the continued duties of this role. They will also gain experience working in placements across the Trust, and alternative settings.

They will work collaboratively to maintain patient safety and provide high standards of skilled care and support during each stage of the patient’s perioperative pathway.

The Apprentice ODP will ensure their activities are in accordance with the Association for Perioperative Practice (2021) Standards and Recommendations for Perioperative Practice

On completion of the apprenticeship programme, the Apprentice ODP will demonstrate that they meet the Health & Care Professions Council –HCPC (2023) Standards of Proficiency for Operating Department Practitioners and are therefore eligible to apply for HCPC registration.

The Apprentice ODP will be required to achieve the education and practice standards as set out by  the  HCPC,  HEI  and  the  Institute  of  Apprenticeships  and undertake an integrated end point assessment, as well as completion of the three year degree programme.  Failure to progress will mean removal from the programme.

Commitment to self-directed study and successful completion of the programme within the contract period is required.

The Apprentice ODP will be supported by experienced Practice Supervisors and Practice Assessors in assessed clinical placements.

At the end of the programme the ODP will be equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment as an ODP and will work to a nationally recognised code of conduct.

ODPs will have an apprenticeship agreement approved by both UHP and Higher Education Institution (HEI) and will be required to achieve the standards as set out by the HCPC, HEI and the Institute of Apprenticeships. On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, the apprentice will be eligible to apply to join the HCPC Register as a Registered ODP. Failure to progress will mean removal from the programme.

·   Practice (under supervision), assessing patients in theatres & associated areas, exercising professional judgement to establish patient centred goals & to accept, plan, initiate, modify, refer or cease treatment within prescribed limits.

·   Recognise disease & trauma processes relevant to perioperative care.

·   Change practice to account for new developments or changing contexts in what constitutes best practice in perioperative care, through effective change management.

·   Respond appropriately to emergency situations.

·   Conduct appropriate diagnostic, monitoring, treatment & therapy procedures safely & effectively.

·   Undertake anaesthetic, surgical & post-anaesthesia care interventions including managing airways,

·   cannulation, catheterisation & manual handling /positioning of patients

·   Select appropriate techniques & equipment; undertake & record thorough assessments & investigations.

·   Maintain Basic or Intermediate Life Support qualifications where appropriate.

·   Provide individualized care for patients prior to and throughout surgery or other procedures including reassurance and support.

·   Use a wide range of clinical skills to provide a safe environment during the administration and maintenance of anaesthesia.

·   Assist anaesthesia with the use of medical devices & pharmacological (drugs) means. Safely secure and maintain the patient’s airway and stability during anaesthesia.

·   Preparation of a wide range of specialist equipment and devices.

·   Position the patient to optimize surgical access, maintaining patient safety and dignity.

·   Maintain a sterile working area & safely & effectively perform aseptic technique (including scrubbing, gloving & gowning)

·   Perform scrub skills according in accordance with Perioperative Care Collaborative statement.

·   Selection, preparation and provision of the correct sterile surgical equipment to the surgeon and be accountable for all surgical instruments, equipment and swabs throughout the procedure.

For further details please see attached Job Description and Person Specification.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

2 years paid at Band 2 salary and final year at Band 3 salary, Includes late shifts and weekends