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A dedicated, skilled anaesthetic assistant should be available in all locations outside the operating theatre where anaesthesia is undertaken by an anaesthetist.^47,48

All anaesthetists working in ophthalmic services should have access to continuing educational and professional development facilities for advancing their knowledge and practical skills associated with ophthalmic anaesthesia.³⁸

All anaesthetic equipment should be checked before use in accordance with the Association of Anaesthetists published guidelines.³² Anaesthetic machine checks should be recorded in a log and on the anaesthetic chart.

Each unit should have a designated clinical lead (see glossary) anaesthetist who is responsible for cardiac anaesthesia services. This should be recognised in their job plan and they should be involved in multidisciplinary service planning and governance within the unit.

Anaesthetists should be aware of the risks of exposure to ionizing radiation in cardiac catheterisation laboratories and ensure they use protective garments and screens and wear exposure monitoring devices if requested to do so.⁵⁶

Consultant anaesthetists intending to follow a career in paediatric cardiothoracic anaesthesia should have higher training in general paediatric anaesthesia of at least one year followed by a specialist training period of an appropriate duration in the subspecialty.

All anaesthetists involved in the care of pregnant women should be competent to deliver high quality, safe care that takes into account the physiological changes in and other requirements of pregnant women.⁸⁷

Every unit should provide, in early pregnancy, advice about pain relief and anaesthesia during labour and delivery. An anaesthetist should be involved in preparing this information and approve the final version.¹¹³

Anaesthetists providing anaesthesia for trauma and orthopaedic surgery should learn and maintain expertise in a wide range of regional anaesthetic techniques, including central and peripheral neural blockade.⁵⁷

All anaesthetic equipment should be checked before use in accordance with the Association of Anaesthetists published guidelines.¹² Anaesthetic machine checks should be recorded in a log and on the anaesthetic chart.