As part of a difficult airway follow-up, patients should be informed in writing about any significant airway problem encountered, and should be advised to bring it to the attention of anaesthetists during any future preoperative assessment.
Departments should ensure that vascular anaesthetists and support staff are available to provide a year-round service. This should include prospective cover for sickness and planned leave.21
Cardiac anaesthetists working in non-transplant centres should be familiar with the principles of the anaesthetic management for patients who have previously undergone heart or lung transplantation.42
Each unit should have a designated clinical lead (see glossary) anaesthetist for thoracic anaesthetic services. This should be recognised in their job plan and they should be involved in multidisciplinary service planning and governance within the unit.
Healthcare workers, including the anaesthetist, must be aware of the local policy for child protection. They have an obligation to document and report any concerns to a responsible individual.54
A small number of centres perform burn surgery. These centres should offer external training opportunities for anaesthetists, nursing staff, physiotherapists and other members of the multidisciplinary team.60
Risks associated with anaesthesia should be discussed and risk infographics such as the Royal College of Anaesthetist’s ‘Common events and risks in anaesthesia’ should be available.100
