The post holder will be a Clinical Lead Operating Department Practitioner (CLODP) who works closely with senior staff and multidisciplinary team members. They will lead the team, monitor and maintain excellent standards of clinical practice, participate in and promote staff development, and collaborate with other team members. The CLODP acts as a role‑model, demonstrating excellent professional behaviour.
As a member of the anaesthetic and recovery team, the post holder will work autonomously and competently to perform the role of Anaesthetic Practitioner, following all checks and procedures laid down in the HCPC guidelines, code of conduct and the AAGBI guidelines.
The Clinical Lead Operating Department Practitioner provides professional and clinical leadership for ODP practice across anaesthetics, scrub, recovery services and cath labs. They promote safe, evidence‑based peri‑operative care, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, provide clinical oversight, support governance and risk management processes, lead audit and quality improvement initiatives, and ensure staff maintain required competencies.
The CLODP serves as a senior role model, supports complex decision‑making, workforce development, education, and succession planning. Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and senior management, they contribute to operational efficiency, service development and strategic planning, while advocating for the ODP profession and promoting a positive, safety‑focused culture.
About the Trust
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is officially one of the best places to work in the UK. The Trust was named by the Sunday Times as one of the 75 Best Places to Work in the Public Sector and was the overall winner of the Communicating Patient Safety category of the Patient Safety Awards 2010. It also received a Gold award from Investors in People (IIP) for being a good employer and improving staff standards.
Staff Management & Development
* Manage sickness/absence and initiate return‑from‑sickness interviews in line with Trust policy.
* Manage staff performance in line with Trust policy.
* Ensure the Individual Development Review process is implemented and effective for all staff within the service area.
* Overall responsibility for the economic use of all resources – hold delegated budget and control/monitor budgets.
* Authorised signatory for staff overtime payments and specialist budget.
* Continue responsibility for the control and management of the theatre service, maintaining clinical excellence within the specialties.
* In partnership with other professionals provide excellent patient care, including assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation in accordance with Trust policies.
* Utilise strategies to communicate complex, sensitive information to leads and multidisciplinary team members, and to patients, adapting language and content to varying levels of understanding.
* Seek advice and support when appropriate, maintaining an understanding of own limitations.
* Prepare central lines for insertion by Cardiac Anaesthetists (including Swann Ganz) and manage complex cardiac output systems.
* Facilitate and manage specific airway devices for Cardiothoracic surgery and provide advanced airway equipment for video laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy.
* Assist with the organisation and acquisition of blood components, transfusion and reconstitution of fractionated products.
* Maintain theatre documentation to Trust standard, including electronic records.
* Conduct clinical audit/research and development to achieve agreed standards.
* Contribute to developing and maintaining a department ethos and standard approach to patient care.
* Under guidance from senior colleagues, set goals and benchmark standards of care.
* Promote awareness and compliance with Trust policies, procedures, guidelines and standards.
* Participate actively in the Trust’s framework of clinical governance.
* Provide a safe environment for the physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing of staff, patients and their relatives/carers.
* Identify and report clinical risks; record and report all incidents/complaints; assist with investigations as required.
* Take charge of the clinical area, utilising resources effectively and ensuring safe staffing levels.
* Delegate tasks and activities to the multidisciplinary team in relation to patient care.
* Participate in out‑of‑hours theatre on‑call rota and manage workload.
* Facilitate the smooth running of the department, acting as Theatre Co‑ordinator or Team Lead as required.
* Lead multidisciplinary teams through critical or life‑threatening scenarios as they arise.
* Responsible for the continued professional development and performance of other team members.
* Manage and maintain pharmaceutical and disposable stock, troubleshoot supply issues and seek alternatives when necessary.
* Use several information and networking systems (e.g. Gemweb, ORMIS, MAXIMS, HISS, Healthroster, ESR).
* Provide all aspects of relevant patient care autonomously; supervise qualified and/or unqualified staff; maintain a safe working environment.
* Be flexible and adaptable, providing cover for numerous clinical areas as defined by speciality, knowledge and experience.
* Ensure optimal use of theatres relative to booked operating sessions and elective/emergency demands.
* Repair, manage and service all anaesthetic equipment and liaise with company representatives and engineers.
* Contribute positively to the delivery of a cost‑effective service.
* Adjust staffing levels via the rota to meet demand while balancing resources and staying within agreed budgets.
* Attend the weekly departmental theatre scheduling meeting to facilitate surgical activity and plan for the upcoming week.
* Update clinical skills and professional practice regularly, with training and time provided for equipment updates, techniques and POCT competency.
Equipment and POCT Responsibilities
OCT Equipment Currently in Use:
* Rotem (Thromboelastometry)
* Hepcon (Heparin Concentration Assays)
* Platelet Function (Platelet Aggregometry)
* ACT (Activated Clotting Time)
* Arterial Blood Gas Analyser (GEM 5000)
* CoaguChek Near‑patient INR Testing
The CLODP should deliver training and identify competence in all POCT equipment, ensuring operations comply with Trust POCT policies. They should possess high-level competency and specialist knowledge on all anaesthetic equipment across the following areas:
* Cardiac Theatres
* Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
* High Dependency Unit
* General theatres
* Pre‑operative Assessment Clinics
* Cardiac wards
* Maternity services
* Catheter Labs
POCT Responsibilities of the CLODP:
* Assist the POCT Quality Team with auditing and collation of data to produce regular quality reports.
* Ensure Quality Control tests are carried out in line with manufacturer guidelines for each piece of equipment.
* Maintain disposable stock levels by ordering replacements as needed.
* Perform daily maintenance and management of the POCT equipment.
* Maintain competencies for all POCT equipment during core and non‑core hours, including knowledge of IT systems and POCT connectivity.
Application Deadline
This advert closes on Tuesday 7 Apr 2026.
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