University News Last updated 14 June 2017
Birmingham City University has joined forces with the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and NHS partners throughout Devon and Cornwall in a new partnership aimed at getting more people into Operating Department Practitioner roles.
The partnership will see the launch of a new two-year Dip HE programme in the South West region, which will prepare students to become fully qualified Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs).
ODPs are a crucial part of the operating department team, working with surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses to ensure that surgery is as safe and effective as possible, providing a high standard of care to patients throughout each stage of their operation.
Students joining the programme will be based at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital campus, whilst carrying out placements in hospitals across the South West region. Key modules of study will include anaesthetic care, bioscience, surgical practice and post-anaesthetic care, alongside other modules which promote effective contemporary healthcare practice.
Karen Fearon, Head of the Department of Operating Department Practice and Paramedic Science at Birmingham City University, said: “This innovative partnership between Birmingham City University and the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and NHS providers across the region is an exciting and significant development; and will prepare aspirant Operating Department Practitioners across the region for this vital role in operating theatres and patient care delivery.
“ODPs play a central role in the care of patients throughout each stage of their operation, yet nationally there is a shortage of registered practitioners. This new partnership will play a key role in ensuring workforce needs are met in the South West through the education of knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare professionals who meet the needs of their patients and employers.”
David Thomas, Assistant Director of Nursing (Surgical) at Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted to be able to work in partnership with Birmingham City University and our fellow NHS Trusts across the South West to provide a locally delivered Operating Practitioner Course. This partnership will help to secure a local workforce for the operating theatres across the region. To work with our NHS colleagues and with Birmingham City University is an exciting new venture that will benefit our patients in the next few years. We are very much looking forward to welcoming our first students early next year.”
For further information and how to apply, please visit the ODP course page.