Publish date: 11 October 2024
Celebrating our AHP workforce - Stacey shares her story
I started in the trust in 2008 as a medical records clerk. I always had an idea I wanted a career in healthcare but was unsure what path to take. After being in medical records for a few years, the opportunity to apply for a secondment to undertake studies in Operating Department Practice arose. At the time I knew nothing about the profession, I hadn’t even heard of it! Research into the role lead me to become very excited and I quickly realised this was the role for me. I was successful in my application and undertook my training 2010-2012. I was then a fully-fledged ODP released into the world. 
My career started in general surgery and obstetrics and then moving to anaesthetics five years later, where I have been ever since. Whilst working as a scrub practitioner I became experienced in a multitude of operations and procedures. It is important to understand the processes, instruments and positioning of patients needed so that you can be prepared for the everchanging environment theatres provides. As an anaesthetic practitioner, I assist in providing general and local anaesthesia. Understanding and knowing equipment needed for each surgery, and speciality. Anaesthetics also involves working in other locations, for example resus, fracture clinics and the obstetric wards. Being able to put patients at ease before surgeries or procedures is one of the best parts of my role. That human connection is imperative to providing the best possible patient experience.
In 2023 I was successful in becoming a senior ODP and soon after a part time secondment to be an Allied Health Professionals Speciality Clinical Educator. Although throughout my career there have been several achievements I have been proud of, stepping out of the department and becoming the speciality clinical educator has been a highlight for me. I was able to break down the stigma that ODPs can only work in theatres and show others that career progression is possible. Whilst also using this opportunity to spread the knowledge of ODP’s to other specialities and areas.