The care of the patient should remain the responsibility of the anaesthetist up to discharge for ambulatory procedures or ward transfer for inpatient procedures.
There should be a joint forum for discussion of matters relevant to both surgeons and anaesthetists, for example protocol development and critical incidents.
There should be sufficient programmed activity time available for anaesthetists to assess patients perioperatively and to attend multidisciplinary ward rounds.
Wherever sedation services for paediatric burn management exist, anaesthetists should be involved with setting up, monitoring and auditing the service.
Ideally, patients with morbid obesity should undergo preassessment by a senior anaesthetist.256
At all times, an anaesthetist or at least one other advanced life support provider should be immediately available.
Anaesthetists appointed to organisation wide, non-clinical roles should be adequately supported with sufficient time and resources to undertake the role.
The department should have a structured educational training programme for anaesthetists covering updates on new techniques and practice developments.
Anaesthetists with a specific interest in regional anaesthesia should deliver regular appropriate theatre sessions to ensure the maintenance of their skills and experience.
Departments should consider the appointment of a specified consultant anaesthetist to lead the anaesthetic service for the elderly.7
