Operating Department Practitioner Jobs
At Quad Recruitment, we match skilled Operating Department Practitioners with high-quality roles across NHS and private organisations.
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What is an Operating Department Practitioner?
Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) play a critical role in perioperative care. They are highly trained healthcare professionals who support patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. Working mainly in operating theatres, ODPs collaborate closely with anaesthetists, surgeons, nurses, and other specialists to maintain safety, hygiene, and best practice in high-pressure clinical environments.
ODPs are typically involved in three key phases:
Anaesthetics- Preparing patients and equipment before surgery. This includes monitoring vital signs, supporting anaesthetists, and reassuring patients as they go under anaesthesia.
Surgery (Scrub role)- Assisting during surgery by preparing instruments, ensuring a sterile environment, and handing equipment to the surgeon.
Recovery- Monitoring patients as they regain consciousness, managing pain relief, and ensuring stability post-procedure.
To practice as an ODP in the UK, professionals must complete an approved diploma or degree programme and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Many ODPs choose to specialise in one area, such as paediatric theatres, trauma surgery, or orthopaedics, while others rotate between all three phases.
Looking to Hire an Allied Health Professional?
Quad Recruitment partners with hospitals, clinics, community health services, and private healthcare providers to deliver highly qualified AHPs quickly and compliantly. Whether you need permanent staff, locums, or temporary cover, our sector-specific expertise and nationwide network make recruitment easy, reliable, and stress-free.
Why Choose Quad Recruitment for ODP Hiring?
Industry-Specific Expertise
We specialise in digital healthcare recruitment and understand the unique needs of the ODP space.
Access to Qualified ODPs
We source HCPC-registered professionals ready to step in and support.
Tailored Support
We align our solutions to your department’s workflow and culture.
Quick Turnaround Hiring
Urgent shifts, long-term cover or full-time theatre staff – we’ve got you.
Who We Partner With in ODP Recruitment
We connect outstanding ODP professionals with organisations that value their expertise. Our recruitment approach is built around understanding the clinical needs of each department and the personal goals of each candidate. We offer placements for both short and long-term staffing needs.
Our recruitment solutions cover:
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NHS hospitals and day surgery units
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Private surgical centres and treatment hubs
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Anaesthetic and recovery departments
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Pre-assessment clinics and post-op care teams
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Emergency theatres and high-dependency units
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Locum, fixed-term and permanent opportunities
What Roles We Support
Anaesthetics & Pre-Op Roles
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ODP – Anaesthetic Support
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Pre-Assessment ODP
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Theatre Support Assistant (Anaesthetics)
Surgical & Scrub Roles
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ODP – Scrub Practitioner
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Theatre Scrub Assistant
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First Assistant – Surgical Support
Recovery & Post-Op Roles
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ODP – Recovery Unit
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Post-Operative Care Practitioner
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PACU Practitioner (Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit)
Locum & Contract-Based Roles
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Locum Operating Department Practitioner
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Bank Theatre Staff
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Short-Term and Emergency Cover Positions
Leadership & Senior Roles
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Senior ODP
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Theatre Coordinator
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Clinical Lead – Perioperative Services
Don’t see the role you’re looking for? Not to worry!
We recruit across the full ODP spectrum!
Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) FAQs
What does an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) do?
ODPs are vital members of the theatre team, working alongside anaesthetists, surgeons, and nurses to provide safe, effective care before, during, and after surgery. Their roles often cover anaesthetics, scrub, and recovery, depending on the clinical setting.
Where can ODPs work in the UK?
Operating Department Practitioners can be found across NHS hospitals, private hospitals, day surgery units, trauma centres, and specialist surgical clinics. Demand for ODPs is particularly high in major cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and Cardiff, as well as in smaller regional hospitals nationwide.
What are the typical salaries for ODPs?
In the UK, newly qualified ODPs usually start around £28,000–£32,000 per year in NHS roles, with experienced practitioners earning £40,000+. Locum ODPs can earn competitive daily or hourly rates, often higher than permanent salaries, depending on the region and setting.
Can ODPs work as locums?
Yes. Many ODPs choose locum work to enjoy flexible hours, variety across different hospitals, and excellent pay rates. Quad Recruitment regularly supplies locum ODPs to NHS trusts and private providers across the UK.
Are locum positions available in community pharmacy?
Yes, locum roles are common and highly flexible. They allow pharmacists to work across multiple locations, gain varied experience, and earn competitive daily rates.
What skills and qualifications do employers look for in ODPs?
Employers typically require HCPC registration, a recognised ODP qualification, and recent theatre experience. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills are also highly valued in both NHS and private settings.
How can Quad Recruitment help ODPs find work?
We connect ODPs with permanent roles, fixed-term contracts, and locum positions across the UK. Our consultants guide you through CV preparation, interview coaching, and contract negotiation, ensuring you find a role that fits your career and lifestyle goals.
Why should hospitals and clinics use an agency to recruit ODPs?
Recruiting ODPs can be challenging due to high demand and staff shortages. By partnering with Quad Recruitment, healthcare organisations gain immediate access to a nationwide network of HCPC-registered ODPs, helping reduce theatre downtime and ensure safe staffing levels.
Looking to Hire or Get Hired in ODP?
Whether you’re scaling your ODP department or searching for your next role, we’re ready to support you with market insight, top-tier talent, and fast, effective results.