When the anaesthetist is informed of a request for regional analgesia (and the circumstances would be suitable for this type of analgesia) the anaesthetist should attend within 30 minutes of being informed. Only in exceptional circumstances should this period be longer, and in all cases attendance should be within one hour. There should be a clear escalation plan for instances where...
Appropriate and comprehensive training for anaesthetists in this subspecialty should be given according to current standards as defined by the RCoA.63
Anaesthetists who care for children and young people should be familiar with relevant patient safety issues.88
The anaesthetist should consider all environmental factors when planning administration of anaesthesia or sedation.21
There should be a clear line of communication between the duty anaesthetist, theatre staff and anaesthetic practitioner once a decision is made to undertake an emergency caesarean birth.
Consultants or autonomously practising anaesthetists providing anaesthesia for heart or lung transplantation should have appropriate training and substantial experience of advanced cardiovascular monitoring and support.
Cardiac anaesthetists should be familiar with the normal physiological effects of pregnancy and the general principles of obstetric anaesthesia.43
Decision support systems for crisis scenarios should be available, for example the Association of Anaesthetists Quick Reference Handbook.101
Hospitals should consider appointing a lead anaesthetist for diabetes with appropriate time for the role identified in their job plan.270
Training of anaesthetists includes attaining the competency to perform medical assessment of patients prior to anaesthesia and surgery or other procedures.276
