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Programmable infusion pumps and other devices should be available, e.g. intravenous anaesthesia, vasoactive or epidural.¹⁴⁸

An anaesthetist should be present at all times while the patient is anaesthetised.¹⁰²

Where sedative premedication is considered, this should be discussed with parents and carers.

Routine anaesthesia monitoring according to the Association of Anaesthetists standards of monitoring should be available for all areas where anaesthesia is undertaken.¹⁰² Departments should follow national clinical guidelines for the use of monitoring equipment, or local guidelines when national guidelines are not available.

The alarm limits on monitors should be set appropriately, and audible alarms should not be inactivated.¹⁰²

End-tidal carbon dioxide (Et CO₂) monitoring should be available in all locations where tracheal intubation occurs and where intubated patients are being cared for. This includes out of theatre areas and transfers.^79,94,102 

Equipment to monitor the depth of neuromuscular blockade should be available for patients receiving neuromuscular blocking drugs and the limitations of qualitative monitoring should be recognised.^102,148

Equipment for monitoring the depth of anaesthesia should be available for patients receiving emergency anaesthesia.^103,148

Invasive cardiovascular monitoring should be immediately available. Equipment required for goal directed therapy should be available for all major surgery and high risk patients.^{102,104,105,106,107}

Departments should consider the appointment of a specified consultant anaesthetist to lead the anaesthetic service for the elderly.⁷