Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) at Band 4 play a vital role within the NHS, delivering safe, effective care in operating theatres. They support anaesthetists, surgeons, and other theatre staff by preparing equipment, monitoring patients, and assisting throughout surgical procedures. The job requires clinical skills, teamwork, and excellent patient care. Typically, Band 4 ODPs earn between £25,655 and £31,534 annually, depending on location and experience, making it a rewarding career in both professional and financial terms.
If you’re preparing to interview for a Band 4 NHS ODP role, it’s important to anticipate the questions you’ll face and craft strong, confident answers that highlight your knowledge, skills, and attitude. Below are 20 common interview questions along with example answers to help you prepare.
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I’ve always been passionate about healthcare and working in high-pressure environments. Becoming an ODP allows me to directly contribute to patient care during critical moments and work as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure surgical success and patient safety.
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A Band 4 ODP supports anaesthetic and surgical teams by preparing equipment and drugs, monitoring patients’ vital signs, maintaining sterile fields, assisting with airway management, and ensuring patient safety throughout surgical procedures.
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I follow strict hand hygiene protocols, use personal protective equipment correctly, maintain sterile techniques, ensure proper cleaning of instruments and surfaces, and adhere to hospital infection control policies to prevent contamination.
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Once, a patient became anxious before surgery. I calmly explained the process, listened to their concerns, and reassured them by answering questions clearly, which helped to reduce their anxiety and made the procedure smoother.
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I assess the urgency of tasks, communicate effectively with the team, delegate when appropriate, and remain flexible. Patient safety always comes first, so I ensure critical care activities are completed before moving on to less urgent duties.
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I ensure that patient information is only shared on a need-to-know basis, store records securely, and follow GDPR and NHS confidentiality guidelines to protect patient privacy at all times.
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I use monitoring equipment to track heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate, regularly check the readings, and alert the anaesthetist immediately if I notice any abnormalities.
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I communicate clearly, respect other team members’ expertise, share relevant information promptly, and collaborate to ensure patient care is seamless and efficient.
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I would address the concern professionally by reminding them of the correct procedures and, if the issue continued, escalate it to a supervisor to maintain patient safety.
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During emergencies, I remain calm, follow established protocols, assist the anaesthetist and surgical team quickly, and ensure all necessary equipment is ready and functioning.
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I attend continuing professional development (CPD) sessions, read relevant journals, participate in training, and stay updated with NHS guidelines and best practices.
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I would ensure all instruments and equipment are sterilised and ready, check the anaesthetic machines, prepare necessary drugs, and ensure the environment is clean and safe.
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Attention to detail, excellent communication, the ability to remain calm under pressure, teamwork, and a strong commitment to patient safety are key qualities.
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I manage stress by prioritising tasks, taking deep breaths to stay calm, asking for help when needed, and focusing on one task at a time to maintain efficiency and accuracy.
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The NHS values include respect, compassion, and commitment to quality care. I embody these by treating patients with dignity, working collaboratively, and always aiming to deliver the best care possible.
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I suggested reorganising equipment storage which reduced preparation time between cases and improved efficiency for the entire team.
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I assist in administering anaesthetic drugs as directed, monitor the patient’s response, and communicate any concerns promptly to the anaesthetist.
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I aim to develop my clinical skills further, possibly train at Band 5 level, and contribute to service improvements to enhance patient outcomes.
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I welcome constructive feedback as an opportunity to improve my practice, reflect on the points raised, and make necessary adjustments to my work.
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I bring a strong clinical background, excellent teamwork and communication skills, a calm and professional approach under pressure, and a genuine passion for delivering outstanding patient care.
Interview preparation is key to success. Practice your answers out loud and tailor them to your experience. Research the trust and understand their values. Dress professionally and arrive on time. During the interview, listen carefully, answer clearly, and be honest about your strengths and areas for improvement. Remember to showcase your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to patient safety. Finally, don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions at the end – it shows your interest and engagement.
Good luck with your Band 4 NHS Operating Department Practitioner interview! You’ve got this.
