Generally, textbooks are written for either nurses or anaesthetic assistants but this book seeks to embrace the knowledge needed for the generic theatre worker as envisaged in the Bevan Report. We seek to clarify the underlying principles needed for an understanding of anaesthetic and surgical practice and we do not intend to replace the readily available standard works, which should be used in conjunction with this text.

Fundamentals of Operating Department Practice defines the level of knowledge required for the ODP Level III qualification. It covers the practical aspects of operating department practice, where relevant.

Chapters do not follow the layout of the qualification structure but are grouped instead into areas of related knowledge. There is some intentional duplication to emphasise the importance of a particular subject, particularly when viewed from a somewhat different perspective.

National legislation, current at the time of writing, has been included but local policies and protocols have been used as illustrations. Drugs and other substances are referred to by their approved name wherever possible. Alternative names may be found by referring to the British National Formulary or a similar publication.