HEALTH PROFESSIONALS GRADUATE

25th May 2004

HEALTH PROFESSIONALS GRADUATE

Around 250 students graduated from Edge Hill College of Higher Education with professional health qualifications, at an award ceremony at the Ormskirk Campus. Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) graduate Michael Wilkins picked up a special study prize for gaining the highest marks amongst his group.

Those studying a range of specialist nursing and midwifery programmes joined Operating Department Practitioners to accept degrees and higher education diplomas.

This year?s ceremony saw the fist cohort of ODPs qualify with Certificates of Higher Education. These newly qualified professionals will care for patients whenever anesthesia or surgery is required, whether in operating theatres or in areas such as casualty or intensive care.

Michael Wilkins from Chester was delighted to receive the Edge Hill Study Prize as the candidate with highest average mark out of around 60 students taking the ODP qualification. The 44 year-old was disillusioned with his previous job in the transport industry and decided to make a career change into the health profession after being made redundant.

He said: "I secured a job working as a health care assistant and it was then that I developed an interest in theatre work. When I saw the course to specialise as an Operating Department Practitioner it seemed the ideal option for me."

As an ODP Michael is specially trained to carry out a range of theatre related tasks, alongside nurses and surgeons both in theatre and on the wards in patient aftercare. Now employed at the Countess of Chester Hospital, Michael is involved in supporting patient care whenever anaesthetic procedures are required. From work in Accident and Emergency to resuscitation as part of a crash team, or as theatre assistant, his job is extremely varied.

"I really look forward to going to work now. No day is the same as another. I?m learning all the time and feel like I?m really making a difference to people?s lives. I hope to go on to further study and would like to take the Diploma in ODP and ultimately a further training to become a Surgical First Assistant."

Operating Department Practitioners can now study for the Diploma in ODP with intakes in April and September. The three-year course replaces the NVQ3 and Certificate in ODP.

For more information about the range of health programmes at Edge Hill contact the Enquiries Unit on 0800 195 5063. ENDS

EDITOR?S NOTES: For further press information contact: Roisin Rowley-Smith PR Manager Tel: 01695 584509 Fax: 01695 584355 E mail: rowlesr@edgehill.ac.uk or pressoffice@edgehill.ac.uk