AfPP celebrates the vital role of perioperative practitioners for International Nurses Day and National ODP Day

As the UK’s leading membership organisation dedicated to hospital theatre practitioners and improving perioperative care, AfPP has launched a series of initiatives to mark these special days, reflecting its ongoing commitment to supporting, recognising, and empowering its community.

Shining a light on the roles that keep operating theatres running

AfPP is spotlighting the unique and vital roles of perioperative professionals through two in-depth features:

• The Role of a Theatre Nurse: These highly skilled professionals support patients through every stage of surgery, from preparation to recovery, bringing compassion, precision, and calm to the theatre environment. Learn more: Theatre Nurse Role
• The Role of an ODP: Operating Department Practitioners play an equally essential role in surgical teams, specialising in all aspects of the operating theatre process. Read more: ODP Role

These resources aim to raise awareness and foster deeper understanding of the perioperative professions among both the healthcare community and the wider public.

Launch of new Wellbeing Hub

As part of its celebration week, AfPP has also launched a dedicated Wellbeing Hub within its Members' Portal. This new space offers practical, evidence-based advice on:

• Improving sleep quality
• Maintaining healthy nutrition
• Managing and preventing burnout
• Cultivating a calm, focused mind

This initiative recognises the increasing pressures facing healthcare staff and AfPP’s mission to care for those who care for others.

Resources have been kindly given by Leanne Spencer, award-winning entrepreneur, burnout prevention expert and keynote speaker at this year’s AfPP Annual National Conference at The University of Warwick; Craig Forster, a professional certified transformative coach, and mind calm coach, and Celynn Morin; a workplace wellbeing consultant, qualified dietitian, and author with a passion for helping people thrive. Celynn will also be joining AfPP live for a Wellbeing Webinar: Santé: The Alchemy of Crafting Your Sparkling Life. The webinar is on Saturday May 17th, 2025, 10am - 11am, and offers 1 CPD hour. You can register now

Sweet appreciation in Harrogate

Adding a personal touch to the International Nurses Day and National ODP Day celebrations, AfPP will be visiting local hospitals in Harrogate, the home of its headquarters, during the week with cupcakes and warm thanks for the hardworking perioperative teams; a small but heartfelt gesture of appreciation.

A message from AfPP’s President

Oliver Tierney, President of AfPP and Clinical Lead for Education, Risk and Governance at The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust and Charity in Fazakerley, Liverpool, said: “Perioperative practitioners are the beating heart of safe and effective surgical care. International Nurses Day and National ODP Day offer the perfect opportunity to recognise the expertise, compassion, and professionalism of these remarkable individuals. At AfPP, we’re committed to celebrating their contributions not just this week, but every day, and to providing the tools, knowledge and support they need to thrive in their roles.”

Join the celebration

Follow AfPP on social media in the build-up to, and throughout, the week to take part in the celebrations, share your stories, tag AfPP, and join the conversation using hashtags #InternationalNursesDay, #IND2025, #NursesDay, #ProudToBeANurse, #NationalODPDay, #ODPDay, #ODPsCommittedtoCareCommittedtoSafety, #AfPP, and #PerioperativePride

The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP) is a membership organisation that has been providing support and guidance to perioperative practitioners for 60 years. AfPP plays a crucial role in promoting excellence in surgical practice by promoting education, networking, and innovation within the sector, providing members with access to a vast range of educational resources, online and regional events and advice on legal and ethical frameworks that impact their profession.

AfPP’s mission is to ensure that all patients receive safe and effective surgery through the advancement of knowledge, standards, education, and research in all areas related to perioperative care. By working closely with healthcare professionals such as educators, nurses, operating department practitioners (ODPs), surgeons, and anaesthetists, AfPP strives to provide the highest quality of patient care and safety possible during operative procedures.