Dennis has an anaesthetic

Our online Beano comic strip helps children understand what it’s like to have a general anaesthetic, using familiar characters to help reduce their anxiety about surgery.

 

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Welcome to RCoA

Anaesthesia is the largest single hospital specialty in the NHS. The Royal College of Anaesthetists is the professional body responsible for the specialty throughout the UK.

We are here to support your needs. Find out more about:

Working with our members, we ensure the quality of patient care through the maintenance of standards in anaesthesia, critical care and pain medicine.

Become a member

Upcoming events

Anaesthetic Updates London Sep 2020

Anaesthetic updates
8 February 2023 09:00-17:00
Keep up to date with the latest developments in anaesthetic practice by attending this three day conference in London.
Cardiac symposium 2022

Cardiac disease and anaesthesia symposium
26 April 2023 | 09:00 - 17:00
Join us online or in-person in April for two days of discussion about anaesthesia for patients with cardiac disease.
Anaesthesia 2023

Anaesthesia 2023
16 May 2023
Anaesthesia 2023 flagship conference will take place in Birmingham and online in May 2023 for three days of what promises, to be a bigger, better, must-attend event for the specialty.

Latest news

PatientsVoices@RCoA
Today we are launching PatientsVoices@RCoA, our group of volunteers which supports, advises and influences the College by providing the patient perspective on its activities.

Pre-amber alert for red cell & group A platelet stock
NHS Blood and Transport (NHSBT) has advised that its red cell and group A platelet stock levels are low and in a pre-amber alert status for both. It has asked all hospitals to conserve stock from 16 to 30 January 2023 to help prevent going into an amber or red alert.

Internal FRCA Examination Review published
We are committed to improving the calibre of our examinations, ensuring that they are delivered in line with best practice in assessment for each medical specialty. As part of that commitment, we undertake regular internal reviews of the FRCA examination, the most recent of which we have published today.  

Recruitment and Exams guidance

Recruitment into anaesthesia
The College provides support to the anaesthesia recruitment process in the UK. This page has the most up to date information on recruitment and links on how to enter the anaesthesia training programme.

Become a FRCA examiner

Find out if you are eligible to become a Primary or Final FRCA examiner and join a warm and welcoming team of professionals dedicated to upholding standards in anaesthetic training.

Visiting and observing FRCA examinations
The College welcomes visitors to the Primary and Final FRCA examinations. To find out if you are eligible, please go to our visitor page.