Welcoming returning AHPs back
Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) and Radiographers looking to return to practice could now do so at UHDB – as part of an innovative new scheme being piloted by the Trust.
UHDB is believed to be the first NHS Trust in the country now offering a Return to Practice programme for trained Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) looking for a way back into the profession following a career break.
The 12-month initiative is designed to help get returnees back up to speed again after some time away and provide them with a perfect route back into their profession, as well as put them in a great position to then gain a full-time post at UHDB at the end of their course.
Supervised placements and formal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) will be arranged for all successful applicants, while returnee ODPs and Radiographers will be offered mentor support to help them successfully re-register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Carly Moussa, ODP Clinical Educator, said: “This is a great programme for people wanting to get back into practice as an ODP. If you’ve been out of practice for some time and want to get back into the swing of things, this year-long programme will allow you to gain competencies across all of the specialties in Theatres.
AHP Return to Practice Programme - Carly Moussa, Operating Department Practitioner from UHDB Communications on Vimeo.
“We’re offering two posts for ODPs in Theatres – one at Queen’s Hospital Burton and one at Royal Derby Hospital. All returnees will be fully supported throughout your course and will work with trained ODPs, who will also support you with your re-registration with the HCPC.”
In total, there will be four vacancies available for Radiographers and ODPs as part of the initiative, which will be trialled initially in April, ahead of the scheme then potentially being rolled out to more AHP professions across the Trust.
Carly has been an ODP at the Trust for 11 years and feels that UHDB offers the perfect environment for staff returning to the profession.
She added: “I love working here, it’s fantastic. The teams are great. From the Surgeons, to the Anaesthetists, we’re all part of one big family.
“We’re a really positive and forward-thinking Trust, so this is a great opportunity for people. We’ve got the Robot Theatres and Pulvertaft Hand Centre, so there are lots of opportunities at this Trust that you wouldn’t get elsewhere.”
You can find out more about the programme at: https://www.uhdb.nhs.uk/return-to-practice-allied-health-professionals