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Pain assessment tools used should differ, depending on the age and ability of the child. Self-reporting tools should be used where possible, with behavioural or composite tools for those unable to self-report.^33,34

Additional burn surgery operating lists may be planned at weekends and bank holidays to prevent unnecessary delays in treatment.⁶³

Any scheduled burn lists should be organised and staffed by appropriately trained anaesthetists and surgeons who work regularly in that area and who have no conflicting clinical commitments.⁶³

Patients requiring planned or emergency burn surgery should be cared for by theatre staff with current experience in burn care.⁴Anaesthetists who provide emergency care outside burn services should be trained to manage the initial treatment of the patient with severe burns, including timely emergency assessment, resuscitation and transfer to a burns service.

Theatre and recovery staffing arrangements should be compliant with national guidelines^.11,12,64,

Safe sedation and analgesia for burn injured patients undergoing painful procedures outside of the operating theatre environment should be available, for example staple removal, wound dressing and showering.^5,11,49,65

A nurse-led sedation service should be supported by an appropriately trained and experienced anaesthetist at all times.⁵³

Timely access to theatre staff with experience in burn care should be available outside of normal working hours in burn centres and units.⁴

Theatre teams should be informed whenever a major burn case is expected or has arrived. A member of the theatre team should be responsible for ensuring the availability of appropriately trained staff and facilities.⁴

All specialist burn services should participate in major incident planning with national and regional networks.⁴