USW’s first Operating Department Practice graduates join healthcare frontline

The University of South Wales (USW) is proudly celebrating the graduation of the first class from its BSc (Hons) Operating Department Practice (ODP) programme, marking a major milestone in the development of this new and vital healthcare degree.

Launched in response to growing demand for highly skilled professionals to support patients through every stage of their surgical journey, the course equips students with the clinical expertise and confidence to work across anaesthetic, surgical, and recovery care settings.

The inaugural class, having completed rigorous academic study and extensive clinical placements, now join the frontline of healthcare. Operating Department Practitioners play a crucial part in ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate care within operating theatres and related clinical environments.

Craig Griffiths, Course Leader, said: “This is a proud day for our students, their families, our clinical partners, and USW.

“Seeing our first graduates cross the stage is a testament to their hard work, resilience and dedication. They are entering a profession where they will make a real difference to patient care in Wales and across the UK.”

Graduates will pursue roles across surgical services, contributing to the effective delivery of healthcare and helping meet workforce needs in an ever-evolving health service landscape.

Natasha Kennedy is one of the graduates and credits the support of the teaching team and her peers to their success. She said “As a single parent, studying and working on placements, there were some challenging times. However, I never once felt that I couldn’t take any worries to my lecturers. Even after graduating, they will still be there to offer a listening ear or advice.

“Similarly, as a group we were very supportive and held each other accountable. We all had bad days and good days and we raised each other up, and we gave out some ‘tough love’ when it was needed.

“If anyone is considering a profession in ODP, please go to an Open Day, look at the facilities, and ask lots of questions. I now have incredibly rewarding job working in anaesthetics and the hard work was all worth it.”