14 May 2022
Today marks National ODP Day - a day on which we celebrate the work of all our wonderful UHCW Operating Departmental Practitioners.
ODPs look after patients on their journey through surgery in our operating theatres and are trained in three key areas; Anaesthetics, the operations itself (scrub) and patient recovery.
Simulation Practitioner Katherine Phillips, a registered ODP at UHCW for the past eight years, kindly agreed to tell us more about her role.
Best thing about being an ODP: It’s a fascinating, diverse role and a privilege to be part of a fast-paced dynamic team that cares for patients through the perioperative process. The skills and broad experience I gained as an ODP are now being utilised in an educational role.
Most challenging part about being an ODP: Having courage to take a leap of faith and step away from your comfort zone to try new opportunities so you are continuously professionally developing.
Three traits of a good ODP: Excellent communicator, having courage to challenge yourself and those around you with respect, being able to transfer your skillset and utilise it in different areas, whether in a clinical or learning environment.
Career Highlights: Becoming a Simulation Practitioner as an ODP and the Simulation Team winning an Outstanding Care Award (OSCA) last year for Educator of the Year.
Sum up your job in one word: Diverse
Advice for anyone thinking of becoming an ODP: It’s a fascinating role in which your valued skills and knowledge can be used in other areas of healthcare and there are plenty of other opportunities for ODPs, not just clinically. I’m just in awe of the great work we do in the NHS and the fantastic dedicated staff that I’m lucky enough to work with. Some of the experiences we have and the range of emotions experienced in a shift is vast. Go for it!
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BLOOD TESTING DUE TO COVID-19
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, e.g. fever, loss of taste or continuous new cough, please DO NOT attend for a blood test.
Click on the map for information about phlebotomy clinics in Coventry. You can book an appointment online at the locations in red.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Booking an appointment helps patients, their carers and family members to plan their hospital visit better, helping to reduce clinic waiting times and enabling patients to be seen much more quickly.
Location: Outpatients Department, on the ground floor. Opening hours: 8am-4.45pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
Children under 16 years old will need to book online here.
Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test, click on the ‘Book Online’ button above. Patients from Rugby and the surrounding areas are able to access the Friends Blood Taking Unit at the Hospital of St Cross.
Referrals for blood tests can be from GP's, practice nurses or from hospital consultants. Patients are also able to leave other samples, such as urine, which have been collected at home, at the hospital's Pathology Reception.
Location: Near Brookfield House, just off North Road - map here. Opening hours: The blood taking clinic sessions for adults and children are listed below:
Monday -Friday 7am-4:45pm Appointment only
Wednesday Evening 5pm-7pm Suspended due to COVID
Saturday Morning 7am-10pm Suspended due to COVID
April 2020 NEW - This Clinic is now by appointment. Please book an appointment before attending for a blood test. Click on the ‘Book Online’ button above.
Address: Stoney Stanton Road, Coventry CV1 4FS Location: Access is via the main doors, the Phlebotomy team are in Area A. Opening hours: Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). 8am–4.45pm
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
Specialist Tests - There are a small number of specialist tests where blood needs to be taken on a hospital site as the sample must be transferred to the laboratory rapidly for the test to be undertaken. Click here for a list of these specialist tests and to find out more.