Today we’re celebrating operating department practitioners – known as ODPs.
They’re a key part of our surgical teams and vital in supporting you, our patients, as well as surgeons and anaesthetists before, during and after an operation.
Their role includes setting up a theatre, preparing equipment and medicines, as well as looking after patients.
Four of our ODPs have shared what’s special about the role:
💙 Brendan (pictured sitting down) is a senior ODP. He said: “I like to think I’m calm and compassionate and help create a reassuring and efficient theatre environment.”
💙 Aleena (pictured with her arms crossed) is an ODP at Colchester Hospital. She said: “Teamwork is a really central part of how we work every day.”
💙 Suhel (pictured wearing gloves) is a senior ODP. He said: “Things change rapidly, so no two days are the same but I really like that as it keeps the work engaging and stimulating.”
💙 Katie (pictured wearing glasses) is a clinical education lead supporting trainee ODPs. She said: “An ODP is a really varied role with three main pillars: anaesthetics, surgery and recovery.”
More information about training to become an ODP can be found on the NHS health careers website.
#BehindTheScrubs #OperatingDepartmentPractitioner
We know hospitals can feel daunting, and appointments aren’t always convenient. They take time, disrupt routines, and can understandably cause anxiety.
Every day, we work hard to make each visit as smooth and supportive as possible — and to give our patients more of their precious time back.
“It’s never too late to become a nurse,” says Anna. 💙
Having worked in a range of jobs, including in the police and pubs, a career in nursing wasn’t something she’d considered.
Then she joined ESNEFT as a health care assistant (HCA) in 2013 and realised it was a career in nursing she wanted to pursue. ☺️
So Anna grasped the on-the-job opportunity of an apprenticeship to become a nursing associate, and is now on her way to becoming a registered nurse.
Anna, 42, said: “It’s never too late! I am so happy doing this job – I absolutely love it and feel a genuine sense of excitement about what my day will bring.
“I love listening to patients, helping to care for them, and seeing what’s needed to make sure they’re ready to leave hospital safely so we were ready to care for the next patient who needs us.”
👉Read Anna’s full story on our website (link in today’s stories).
#BehindTheScrubs #InternationalNursesDay
Death, dying and bereavement will affect us all – but that doesn’t make it easy to talk about.
Research shows not talking about it can make it harder when we experience it, though.
During Dying Matters Awareness Week, let’s all help each other to talk about death and dying.
What has helped you to have these conversations with the people you love? Tell us in the comments ⬇️
How exciting to see me on the electronic boards @esneft on my latest @petsastherapy_uk nhs visit to #ipswichhospital.
It's wonderful to be a #petsastherapy_uk volunteer, so moving to see the positive impact us #therapydogs can make to patients, staff and friends, making a real difference in lots of ways, from spreading smiles to helping with rehab to providing comfort, company and distraction. Forever grateful to @rspca_official who saved me from dying at a puppy farm (all horrendous places), so I am here to do this amazing job. 🙏🐾🐾
#makeadiffence
Have you read the tag line? 👀😁🙏🐾🐾
When Kelly welcomed Penelope into the world, she gave her the middle name Grace - a heartfelt tribute to the midwife whose care made such a lasting impression.
Kelly, who also works for ESNEFT, as an assistant practitioner for ESNEFT’s district nursing team in Clacton, said: “After losing my second child in 2022 I was nervous and anxious, but Grace was reassuring.
“I owe everything to her – she really stuck by me and was wonderful.
“I was lucky enough to give birth to Penelope, who is two-and-a-half now, and when we were thinking of middle names, there was one in particular that came to mind.”
Grace, who now works for ESNEFT as a community midwife, said: “It’s really sweet and it’s a real honour, as you are not just being recognised through a present or a gift, it is something that lasts for life.
“The fact that Penelope may one day ask why her middle name is Grace and for Kelly to explain why, is amazing. It makes me feel really special.”
Grace added: “I always thought being a midwife looked such a cool job and the older I got the more I wanted to care for women – that has become my passion.”
#IDM2026 #internationaldayofthemidwife
We know our midwives play a unique and important role in many people’s lives.
Whether it’s before, during or after pregnancy and birth, we understand their support and care lives long in the memory.
Today, on International Day of the Midwife, we want to hear your stories 👶
Share your memories and shout outs for our midwives in the comments ⬇️
It’s incredible how much difference genuine kindness can make when you’re facing something uncertain.
Our staff often meet people on some of their most vulnerable days, and the fact that they go “far beyond the call of duty” reminds us how powerful empathy can be, and how much it matters to feel seen, supported and safe. 🩷
They did it! 💙 Congratulations!
On Sunday, our incredible team took on the London Marathon alongside tens of thousands of runners and what an achievement it was 🏅👏🤩
Together, they have raised over £36,000 so far for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.
Each runner had their own powerful reason for taking part, from honouring loved ones and supporting family members, to giving back to the NHS teams who cared for them and facing personal challenges head on.
We are so proud of every single one of them. Their determination and resilience will make a real difference to patients, families and staff across our hospitals.
A huge thank you as well to everyone who donated, shared and supported them along the way 😍
There’s still time to support them at colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/news/2026-london-marathon-congratulations
Feeling inspired?
📣Applications are now open for our charity TCS London Marathon 2027 places head to: colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk/Event/london-marathon-2027
#LondonMarathon #TogetherWeMakeADifference #ThankYou #MedalMonday
Always in awe of science, technology and the absolute incredible knowledge of doctors and new procedures allowing the impossible to be possible. And I got to capture the miracle that happened and his big sister is truly elated!!
@esneft@jessicasavill
#newbabyboy #suffolkbaby #suffolkbabyphotographer #suffolknewbornphotographer #ipswichhospital
