Search

The lead obstetric anaesthetist should audit and monitor the duty anaesthetist workload to ensure that there is sufficient provision for the busyness of the unit.

The anaesthetist should be with the patient at all times while the patient is anaesthetised. In hospitals employing AAs, this responsibility may be delegated to an AA, supervised by a consultant anaesthetist in accordance with the scope of practice for AAs.^119,123

The department should have a policy on providing breaks for anaesthetists working solo which might include discussing breaks as part of the theatre team brief and providing a ‘floating’ anaesthetist to help with breaks in the theatre suite. If breaks are unavailable, then this should be formally recorded and included in the organisation’s risk register.

The lead obstetric anaesthetist should be made aware of all complaints.

Young people have additional needs and may wish to speak to the anaesthetist or another member of staff without direct parental presence.^66,99 Anaesthetists should make it clear that they are willing to speak with young people on their own, on request.