Ester Dunn

I work as a Lead Practitioner (ODP) for a mobile operating department company, which also supplies modular units, clinics, day surgery units, wards, and endoscopy units to NHS and private hospitals around the UK.

Depending on the type of contract, it determines which type of unit I am sent to work in. Over the last 20 years, I've used my anaesthetic, recovery, and scrub skills in many different trusts around the country.

I work in the role of Lead Practitioner. Within this role, I not only manage and support my team, ensuring each and every patient experiences their best perioperative experience to date, while providing a safe, warm, clean environment for both patients and staff. I may also work in a clinical role within each team.

As an experienced and proactive Lead Practitioner, I am committed to maintaining up-to-date knowledge of all relevant perioperative advancement, including emerging clinical guidelines, best practices, and innovations in patient care. I actively engage in continuous professional development through regular literature review, attending relevant training sessions, and contributing to multidisciplinary discussions. This commitment enables me not only to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care but also to lead by example, fostering a culture of clinical excellence, safety and learning, within the perioperative team.

I trained as a naval combat medic at the Royal Naval Defence School, Haslar, in Gosport, in 1993. On completion of my training, I worked in various sickbays within establishments across the country, completing training in emergency care, advanced battlefield trauma, diving medicals, etc. During my time on HMS ILLUSTRIOUS, I was given an insight into the world of an operating theatre. Whilst working alongside Anaesthetists, ODPs, and Surgeons, I realised this was the career path I would like to pursue.

As a result, I completed my ODP training in October 2000. I left the Royal Navy in April 2005. After, almost 12 incredible years.