Paul Wheeler

Before joining Buckinghamshire New University in 2016, I worked within the local NHS Trust for nearly 20 years, starting as a theatre porter and soon becoming a health care assistant in the operating theatres. It is here I found the profession of operating department practitioner. After qualification I was lucky enough to have exposure to a wide range of surgical specialities, giving me a broad knowledge base. Over my career I progressed into senior roles and before leaving the NHS to join Buckinghamshire New University, I was the manager of the day surgery unit of the local NHS trust. I really enjoyed this role as it allowed me to keep up all three areas of theatre practice - anaesthetics, scrub and recovery - but also, I had the platform to be able to develop new patient pathways through the hospital to enhance patient experience by using patient centred care.  

I studied to become an operating department practitioner at London Southbank University and qualified in 2001. My specialist areas of interest are anatomy and physiology, clinical skills simulation, resuscitation and developing patient care. I find these interesting because these areas are vital in developing a well-rounded competent operating department practitioner. 

• Senior Lecturer