Anaesthetics

QVH has 19 consultant anaesthetists supporting our operating theatres, high dependency unit and burns centre. 

The department has pioneered and developed special expertise in dealing with patients with abnormal airways due to facial deformity, techniques to lower blood pressure and reduce bleeding during delicate surgery, and the use of ultrasound for the placement of regional local anaesthetics for the upper limb.

Patient information leaflets

• www.youranaesthetic.info - patient information from the Royal College of Anaesthetists
• Anaesthesia for major breast reconstruction
• Pain management
• Pre-assessment clinic

Clinical effectiveness

The anaesthetic recovery room exists to ensure patients are fit to discharge to the ward following surgery. We monitor all interventions that are made in recovery, including medical review, intravenous analgesia, unexpected discharge to critical care and all complications such as hypothermia or airway difficulties.

Percentage of patients requiring no recovery room intervention following anaesthesia
QVH target: 100%
QVH 2010/11: 86%
QVH 2009/10: 83%

Full details of our patient safety, patient experience and clinical effectiveness measures are published in our annual Quality Accounts.