UNISON, in partnership with the College of Operating Department Practitioners (CODP), celebrated today as all Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) move to full Allied Health Professions Status (AHP).
This means for the first time that a senior officer within NHS England will represent ODPs. They will now have greater influence over NHS workforce planning, and have more opportunities to improve patient care.
Linda Hobson, UNISON deputy regional convenor said:
“Today is a fantastic day for ODPs to finally gain AHP status, as a registered nurse I know how important it is to have your profession recognised and ODPs now have the exact same recognition as other health professionals.”
The regional celebration organised by UNISON was held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead where ODPs were presented with a ‘congratulations’ card. Staff and the public had an opportunity to find out more about what ODPs do and enjoy a slice of celebration cake too.
Maria Alberts, branch secretary of UNISON Gateshead Health Branch said:
“I am so pleased and proud to have our ODPs recognised as the professionals we know they are. It has been a long time coming, congratulations”
The event was attended by representatives from Gateshead NHS Foundation Trust.
Nick McDonough, associate director surgery said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for ODPs to utilise their skills to support the delivery of care across the organisation.”
Julia Hickey, chair of Gateshead Trust said:
“I am delighted to be here today to celebrate the official recognition of AHP status for ODPs. This is fundamental for the progression of ODPs in the future and acknowledges the vital role they play within the NHS.”
Other events took place across the region including Durham and Northumberland and UNISON will be holding more events in the coming weeks.