ODP

I am an ODP. There - now i've said it.
Most people don't have the faintest idea what that is or what an ODP does and if I am honest - I don't care!
We are a select few - 10,000 registered ODPs as opposed to the several million nurses that are out there. ODPs work in the operating theatre - yes we may also work in areas outside the operating theatre but that is not the main role.
ODP is a fairly new profession, only gaining statutory registration in 2004. But, the role has been around in various guises for as long as surgery. ODP can be traced back to the 17th century when there was no anaesthesia other than a good stiff drink and surgeons (& barber surgeons) need someone to:
a) hold the patient still and
b) kick the box of sawdust under the wound to soak up the blood
this was the first incarnation of the ODP. This role then moved through various stages such as theatre technicians and operating department assitants to become Operating Dept. Practitioners (ODP).
Now things have moved on. Most equipment is disposable and the ODP is part of an interprofessional team.
My view is that there is still a long way to go. The profession as a whole needs to recognise what it is and where it wants to go. New developments are still being made and the ODP is in a prime position to move these forward - operations are big business!
Things I see as being likely to develop further? - well I don't want to predict the next beta max or laser disc, but preparation for surgery will become bigger. To that end, the enhanced recovery room projects that are being introduced are likely to prove beneficial, although how financially viable they are is likely to be the deciding factor. Preloading with carbohydrates and close monitoring of blood glucose levels pre and peri op may be an area that develops and one that ODPs can get involved with.
Day or ambulatory surgery is another. The NHS wants people to get in and get out as quickly as possible. This may well open up opportunities in areas outside the traditional Operating Dept.-  Treatment centres and Minor ops in GP surgeries are one example that may well have room to be developed. especially when taking into account that GPs are going to be  doing the commissioning!