Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) primarily work in operating theatres alongside other healthcare professionals including surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses, helping to deliver individualised care to patients.This course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and is accredited by the College of Operating Department Practitioners. Successful students will be awarded a Diploma and are entitled to apply for registration as an ODP.The Operating Department Practice course will prepare you to assess, plan and deliver individualised care to patients during anaesthesia, surgery and recovery and become highly skilled in the maintenance and restoration of the physical and psychological status of the patient at all levels of dependency. An Operating Department Practitioner needs to possess a broad knowledge and skill base, including management and communication skills. A caring and compassionate attitude is essential for this specialised and unique profession.As a new health profession, Operating Department Practitioners are in high demand both within the NHS and the independent sector. Although you would traditionally work in the operating department environment, there are increasing opportunities for Operating Department Practitioners to be employed in other areas where patients require high dependency care.In line with the principles and values which underpin the NHS constitution, the University expects all students undertaking programmes which lead to registration as a health professional to demonstrate the NHS values.