The anaesthetist – by your side when it matters

We are there by your side when you need us most. It is what we do. It is who we are.

Professor Ravi Mahajan
Past President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists

Anaesthetists are doctors with specialist training who are responsible for providing your anaesthetic and looking after you before, during and after surgery.

Anaesthetists also:

  • discuss the type of anaesthetic that is suitable for your operation and assess your fitness for surgery
  • discuss the risks of anaesthesia with you and help you prepare for the operation
  • agree a plan with you for your anaesthetic and pain control
  • look after you immediately after the operation in the recovery room or in an intensive care unit

Most importantly, anaesthetists work with you to help make your experience as calm and pain-free as possible.

Numbering over 22,500 across the United Kingdom, anaesthetists, critical care and pain medicine doctors represent the single largest medical specialty and provide 24/7 care for two-thirds of all patients entering hospital.

Anaesthetists keep you safe and pain free at the most critical times.

The information below is designed to let you, our patients, know where, when and how you may come into contact with an anaesthetist. 

Their profiles offer a fascinating insight into their training, unwavering dedication and focus in delivering the right care, at the right time for their patients.

I hope that what you read here helps you understand that anaesthetists are much more than just the doctors who administer anaesthetics during an operation. 

We are there by your side when you need us most. It is what we do. It is who we are.

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The anaesthetist – by your side when it matters