Helen Lloyd

What brought you to Teesside University?

Before I started my training I worked in business telecommunications where I had my first experiences of training for learning and development. I eventually left to start my operating department practice (ODP) training at Teesside University, after being introduced to the role by my husband who is already an ODP. I’d studied the Extended Science Programme and Biology at the University, which provided and excellent foundation of knowledge for my training.

What did you do after qualifying?

I worked at the Royal Victoria Infirmary as a scrub ODP in spines, trauma, orthopaedics and neuro-specialties, before moving to Darlington Memorial Hospital to work in anaesthetics and recovery. I completed my degree studies in Practice Innovation (Acute and Critical Care) and worked with the lead consultant paediatric anaesthetist to introduce a paediatric training and development programme for both staff and students.

In 2016 I left theatres to work with the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme as a specialist screening practitioner where I learnt invaluable skills as an autonomous practitioner. The role was diverse and required specialist screening practitioner to work in community-based clinics conducting in-depth patient assessments, obtaining consent for further treatment and working in endoscopy to record the date from screening colonoscopies.

Why did you want to come back to working as an ODP?

Whilst the role varies and no two days were the same I missed working as an ODP in theatres and in 2017 I took up a position at James Cook Hospital as a scrub ODP in cardiothoracics – a role I have immensely enjoyed. In May 2018, I will be joining the ODP team as a full-time lecturer here at Teesside University.