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Anaesthetists should be aware of legislation and good-practice guidance relevant to children and according to the location in the UK.^{55,56,57,58,59} These documents refer to the rights of the child, child protection processes, and consent.

Pregnant women should have access to information about the differing modes of delivery during the antenatal period and should be offered the opportunity to speak to an anaesthetist if they wish to discuss how this might affect their choices around analgesia and anaesthesia.^{142,156,157,158}

For patients undergoing diagnostic procedures such as MRI, although separate written consent for anaesthesia is not mandatory in the UK, all discussions about sedation and anaesthesia should be documented. Discussion should include methods of induction, associated risks, side effects and potential benefits of the procedure. It is not the responsibility of the anaesthetist to explain the indications for the procedure.^55,56

Departments should consider having a health and wellbeing lead who has access to adequate expertise and resources.⁴³,⁴⁵  The RCoA and the Association of Anaesthetists have published a model job description for this role. ⁴³

In exceptional circumstances, an anaesthetist working singlehandedly may be called to briefly assist with or perform a lifesaving procedure nearby. This is a matter for individual judgement and a dedicated ODP or anaesthetic nurse should be present to monitor the patient in these exceptional circumstances.¹²³ This should be for as short a period as possible and the person left...

Information should be made available to patients that gives details of the surgery and local and general anaesthesia for ophthalmic procedures, as well as advice on what to expect on the day of admission. The Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists have a range of booklets available on their websites to help to inform patients.^55,56,57

Preoperative assessment, optimisation, manipulation of patients’ normal drugs and shared decision making in patients with diabetes requires a cross-specialty approach based on national guidance involving anaesthetists, surgeons, diabetes physicians, diabetes inpatient specialist nurses and pharmacists. The development of such teams requires time and resources. This should be recognised and provided.^269,270

An appropriate level of staffing and suitable facilities should be available to deliver a good quality preoperative service. Non-anaesthetist health professionals, such as, specialist nurses, pharmacy staff, allied health professionals and Anaesthesia Associates (AAs) add considerable value to the service.^42,46,47