Celebrating the first graduates with an operating department practice degree

26th November 2018

The first cohort of students to qualify with a degree in operating department practice (ODP) has graduated from Sheffield Hallam University.

Forty four newly-qualified operating department practitioners graduated with a BSc (hons) degree at a ceremony this morning at Sheffield City Hall in front of hundreds of fellow healthcare graduates from the University's department of allied health professions. The BSc (hons) programme was introduced three years ago, replacing the ODP diploma to cater for the changing demands in perioperative care. Operating department practitioners are the only undergraduate professionals in the UK who are specifically trained in all areas of perioperative practice and critical care. Working alongside anaesthetists and other critical care practitioners, ODPs prepare and assist during surgical procedures and medical interventions, and provide recovery care for patients following treatment. Susan Hoyle, 41 from Gateford, Notts said: "This degree is an important part of the future of the ODP profession and I am very proud to be part of the first cohort of students graduating from Sheffield Hallam with a BSc (hons) in ODP." Along with practical operating department work placements, ODP students learn in simulated practical working environments with students from other health disciplines such as nurses, diagnostic radiographers and physiotherapists. Helen Lowes, course leader and business development lead for ODP, said: "ODPs are an integral part of the perioperative team, providing high standards of skilled care and support during each phase of a patient's perioperative journey, whether that's anaesthetic, surgical or recovery. "Sheffield Hallam is the largest healthcare training provider in the country and we pride ourselves on the fact we teach a broad range of disciplines. "I'm incredibly proud to see our first ever ODPs graduating with a BSc (hons) and embarking on such a rewarding career." Sheffield Hallam University is a national leader in creating innovative and real-world solutions for tackling today's health and wellbeing challenges. The University is the largest provider of health and social care education in England. With courses covering all aspects of healthcare including: nursing, midwifery, allied health, social care and sport, its curriculum creates the skilled workforce the NHS needs to deliver better long-term health outcomes for the nation. Over the last five years, more than 8,000 students have qualified as healthcare professionals from Sheffield Hallam. Health professional trainees benefit from an interdisciplinary teaching approach, working with partners and academics who are leaders in their fields. The University's partnerships with hospital trusts, social care providers and leading health charities, provides around 20,000 placement opportunities for Sheffield Hallam's healthcare students each year.