Hello and welcome to our lesson on the different staff members found in an operating theatre in the UK! In this lesson, we will be discussing the various roles and responsibilities of the staff found in the operating theatre. It is important to understand the different roles and how they work together as a team to ensure the success of the surgery. ​ In the NHS, an operating theatre will typically consist of up to 3 surgeons, up to 2 anaesthetists, 2 scrub nurses, 1 operating department practitioner and up to 2 theatre support workers. The role of these professionals can often be somewhat confusing when you first enter a theatre, so here is a breakdown of their roles and the tasks each are likely to perform. ​ First, let's start with the consultant surgeon. The consultant surgeon is the lead surgeon who is responsible for performing the surgery and making the final decisions during the procedure. They have many years of training and experience and are responsible for leading the surgical team and making sure the surgery is carried out safely and effectively. All patients who enter an operating theatre are under the care of a consultant who is ultimately responsible for the patient. It often happens that the consultant does not perform the surgery themselves but instead allows a well-qualified and well trusted senior registrar to do it instead. This is especially common in routine operations. ​ Next, we have the assistant surgeon. The assistant surgeon is responsible for assisting the lead surgeon during the surgery and may also perform some of the surgical tasks. They may be a trainee surgeon or a more experienced surgeon who is not leading the surgery but is still an integral part of the team. These can be any grade of doctor from F1 up to a second consultant if the surgery is particularly complex. There are occasionally two assistants depending on the operation and learning opportunity it presents. If you're a medical student, you will most likely be a second assistant if you are allowed to assist. ​ The scrub nurse is responsible for preparing the operating room and instruments for surgery and maintaining a sterile environment. They work closely with the surgeon to ensure that all necessary instruments and supplies are readily available during the procedure. They are also responsible for passing instruments to the surgeon during the surgery and assisting with the positioning of the patient. ​ The circulating nurse is responsible for coordinating the flow of information and materials in the operating room and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. They may also assist with patient care before and after the surgery. Circulating nurses are usually qualified as scrub nurses. Often two nurses will take turn scrubbing and circulating throughout the theatre list. Both of these staff members will have an incredibly intimate knowledge of all of the tools and equipment present in the theatre. ​ The anaesthetist is responsible for administering anaesthesia to the patient and monitoring their vital signs during the surgery. They work with the patient before, during, and after the surgery to ensure their comfort and safety. ​ The ODP, or Operating Department Practitioner, is a healthcare professional who assists with the preparation and maintenance of the operating room, as well as assisting with patient care during the surgery. They may also assist with the positioning of the patient and the handling of instruments and supplies during the procedure. ​ Generally, and this is certainly not without exception, the scrub nurses spend more time assisting the surgeons and the ODPs tend to assist the anaesthetists. ​ Finally, it is important to consider other staff members that are involved in theatres, such as theatre coordinators, who organise the department, and porters. Porters are responsible for transporting patients to and from the operating room. ​ It is important to understand the roles and responsibilities of each staff member and how they work together as a team in the operating room. By understanding the dynamics of the operating room team, you can better understand how to effectively work within the team and contribute to the success of the surgery. ​ It is also worth bearing in mind that other students may be present in an operating theatre. Medical students, student nurses, student ODPs, they all require experience in the environment so be sure to be mindful that they are also there to learn.