Patients benefit many ways from care of anaethetists

16 Oct 2018

16 October 2018

National Anaesthesia Day is held every year on 16 October to mark the anniversary of the day anaesthesia was first used in the world in 1846 in Boston, Massachusetts.

This year’s theme, ‘Anaesthesia isn’t sleep. It is so much deeper’, reflects the range of services anaesthetists provide in the care of their patients.

St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals anaesthetist Dorothy Chan said that while most people understand anaesthetists put people to ‘sleep’ during medical procedures through sedation or anaesthesia, they are unaware of the care anaesthetists also deliver before and after surgery.

“For example, our anaesthetists host pre-admission clinics to discuss with patients about any health conditions which may affect their surgical experience, such as asthma and sleep apnoea,” she said.

“Through these clinics, we aim to address any pre-existing issues and optimise the health of our patients to ensure they’re fit, healthy and ready for surgery.

“Following surgery, anaesthetists undertake post-operative reviews and provide pain management services to ensure patients are comfortable and relaxed." 

Anaesthetists at the hospital also administer epidurals for women during labour and attend medical emergency calls for unwell or deteriorating patients, as part of the Medical Emergency Team.

They are also involved in the training of future doctors and registrars.