Spotlight on Oliver Tierney, Operating Department Practitioner

What is your job role?

I’ve been at The Walton Centre now since 2013, starting as a Junior Operating Department Practitioner and I am now the Lead for Education, Risk and Governance in the theatre department. Further to this role, I am also the President of the Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP), a national organisation, for the next two years.

The AfPP are a charity and the largest members association of perioperative practitioners in the UK, with over 6000 members. We write the standards, guidance and audit tools for Operating Theatres, are part of national and international perioperative bodies, and are a core member of the Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) alongside the Royal Colleges.

What made you choose to do the job you are in?

I have always loved education and working with students, and this is something I have done throughout my career. Considering this, it was fateful that when I joined The Walton Centre, a pathway into education became available. Alongside this, I have a passion for Human Factors and System Thinking, and I think that is what led me towards taking on a risk and governance role when it became available. It’s a very niche role, but I am one of the few that really enjoy policy writing, incident reviews and CQC inspections… no I really do!

In terms of the AfPP presidency, I have always been a member, and became a trustee a few years ago. This led me to apply to be president and be voted in. It’s very much a once in a lifetime role and I can’t wait to get stuck into it.

What is the favourite part of your job?

At the Trust, it has always been working with students, I find it hugely rewarding helping them develop throughout their training, and seeing them qualify as Operating Department Practitioner’s. I also enjoy donning my metaphorical deer stalker and pipe, as I’ve said previously, I am one of the few who really enjoys reviewing and analysing incidents and developing safer systems.

What’s the most rewarding experience you have had in your role?

We have made a name for ourselves at The Walton Centre for turning around so called 'failing' students, and there is nothing more satisfying than helping to get a student back on track with the support of the incredible team of mentors I have in the department. Most students simply need to find a 'home', a career where they feel like they belong, and benefit from a more person-centred approach to being taught. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing them qualify!  

What is the best advice you have received at work?

To err is human, to forgive is divine, but to failing to learn is inexcusable.

What/who is your biggest motivator at work?

There are challenging days in theatre, where you’re feeling pressure from a number of different sources, but the team I work with pulls together to get the job done for the patients we care for. I couldn’t ask for a bigger motivation.

What is on your bucket list for this year?

As part of my role with AfPP, I am attending two international conferences over the next year or so, one in Boston, and another in New Orleans. I have always wanted to visit New Orleans, so visiting is one off the bucket list

We have also just bought a new house, so the roof not collapsing would be nice too.

With regards to Theatre, we have been through a tough year and seen a lot of change. I just hope we have a great 2025 and continue to build on the already incredible work we do for the patients we care for.