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What is an Anaesthetist?

The anaesthetist Anaesthetists are doctors who have had specialist training in anaesthesia.

Your anaesthetist is responsible for:

• Assessing whether you are fit enough to have the anaesthetic for your operation
• Talking to you about which type of anaesthetic might be best and getting your permission (consent) for it
• Agreeing a plan with you for your anaesthetic and organising pain control afterwards
• Looking after you in the operating theatre and closely monitoring your condition throughout the operation
• Looking after you immediately after the operation in the recovery room or in an intensive care unit

Grades of Anaesthetist

After completing medical school, it takes a minimum of seven years of specialized training to become a consultant anaesthetist. A consultant anaesthetist has undergone full anaesthetic training and holds the highest qualification in the field. In the UK, every patient undergoing surgery must have a named senior anaesthetist involved in their care. However, this does not mean that a consultant will administer every anaesthetic. You can always request to speak with a consultant or senior anaesthetist if you wish.

Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) Anaesthetists

Experienced anaesthetists may also work as specialty doctors or associate specialists (SAS). These doctors have completed at least two years of specialist training in anaesthesia, with many having significant experience. Depending on their skills and expertise, SAS anaesthetists may work independently but can seek advice or assistance from more senior colleagues when necessary.

Additionally, you may encounter trust-grade doctors or clinical fellows who are still gaining experience in anaesthesia. These doctors are typically supervised by more senior anaesthetists to ensure patient safety and high-quality care.

Anaesthetics is a medical specialty focused on administering drugs that prevent pain and keep patients’ unconscious during surgery. Anaesthetists and other theatre professionals collaborate to ensure patient safety and comfort throughout procedures and recovery.

Types of Anaesthetics

Anaesthetics are drugs or substances that cause a loss of feeling or awareness, used to prevent pain during surgeries and other medical procedures. There are three main types:

• Local Anaesthetics: These cause a loss of sensation in a small, specific area of the body. They are often used in over-the-counter gels and sprays to treat minor conditions like mouth ulcers and sore throats.
• Regional Anaesthetics: These block sensation in a larger area of the body, such as an arm or leg, to numb it for surgical or medical procedures.
• General Anaesthetics: These induce a state of controlled unconsciousness, similar to a very deep sleep, so you are completely unaware of the surgery and feel no pain. General anaesthetics can be administered by injection into veins, inhalation through a mask, or a combination of both.

Anaesthetics work by stopping nerves from sending pain signals to the brain, though the exact mechanisms are not entirely understood. Some block pain by altering neurotransmitter release.

General Anaesthesia

General anaesthesia is a state of controlled unconsciousness. It is typically used for longer or more painful surgical procedures where being unconscious is safer or more comfortable. While under general anaesthesia, the patient does not move, feel pain, or have any awareness of the procedure. The anaesthetist ensures that the anaesthetic keeps you unconscious and provides pain relief.

How General Anaesthetics are Administered: Before your operation, you will meet with an anaesthetist for a preoperative assessment, where they will:

• Discuss the suitable type(s) of anaesthesia for you
• Explain the risks of anaesthesia
• Agree on a plan for your anaesthetic and postoperative pain control

The anaesthetist will review your medical history, ask about allergies, lifestyle (such as smoking or alcohol use), medications, and family history related to anaesthesia. You will receive clear pre-surgery instructions, including guidance on fasting.

Just before surgery, the anaesthetic is administered either as:

• A liquid injected into your veins through a cannula (usually on the back of your hand)
• A gas that you breathe in through a mask

The anaesthetic takes effect quickly, making you unconscious within a minute or so. The anaesthetist stays with you throughout the procedure, ensuring you remain in a controlled unconscious state and providing painkillers to keep you comfortable after waking.

Recovery from General Anaesthesia

Once your surgery is complete, the anaesthetist will stop administering the anaesthetic, and you will gradually wake up in a recovery room before being transferred to a ward. Depending on the procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few hours to several days.

General anaesthetics can temporarily affect memory, concentration, and reflexes, so you’ll need a responsible adult to stay with you for at least 24 hours after going home.

Side Effects of General Anaesthesia

Common side effects include:

• Nausea or vomiting, usually immediate but can last for up to a day
• Shivering and feeling cold, lasting minutes to hours
• Confusion and temporary memory loss, especially in older adults
• Difficulty passing urine (bladder problems)
• Dizziness, which can be treated with fluids
• Bruising or soreness at the site of injection or drip placement
• Sore throat from the breathing tube used during surgery
• Minor damage to the mouth or teeth from the tube

Complications and Risks

While serious complications from general anaesthesia are rare, they include:

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Waking up during surgery (accidental awareness), although the anaesthetic dosage is closely monitored to prevent this
• Death, though this is extremely rare

The risk of complications increases with major or emergency surgeries, preexisting illnesses, smoking, or obesity. The anaesthetist will discuss these risks with you beforehand and may advise lifestyle changes, like stopping smoking or losing weight, to reduce potential complications.

Other Types of Anaesthesia

In addition to general anaesthesia, other types include:

• Local Anaesthetic: Used for numbing a small area.
• Epidural Anaesthetic: Commonly used during childbirth.
• Spinal Anaesthetic: Used for lower body procedures.
• Nerve Blocks: Used to numb specific nerves and areas of the body.

Anaesthetists and operating theatre professionals, including theatre nurses and Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs), play vital roles in preparing the patient and ensuring their safety before, during, and after surgery. Anaesthetists, who undergo years of specialised training, are responsible for assessing the patient’s readiness for surgery, administering anaesthesia, and managing vital life functions like breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature throughout the procedure.

This is the perfect time to work, with a strong demand for skilled professionals. By choosing MedicsPro, you'll have access to a wide range of opportunities and competitive pay rates.

Key Benefits:

• Access to a Wide Range of Opportunities: MedicsPro offers a broad selection of locum and permanent positions across various medical specialties.
• Competitive Pay Rates: The agency provides highly competitive pay rates to ensure you’re well-compensated for your skills and experience.
• Flexible Work Options: With locum and permanent roles available, you can choose work that suits your schedule and lifestyle, offering greater work-life balance.
• Dedicated Support: MedicsPro offers personalised support from a team of experienced recruitment consultants who are there to guide you through the job search process.
• Exclusive Roles: Many of the positions available through MedicsPro are exclusive, giving you access to roles that may not be advertised elsewhere.
• Ongoing Training and Development: The agency provides opportunities for continuing professional development, helping you stay current with industry standards and enhance your career prospects.
• Fast and Efficient Recruitment Process: MedicsPro ensures a smooth and streamlined recruitment process, minimising the time it takes for you to secure your next role.
• Nationwide and International Opportunities: Whether you're looking for work in the NHS, private sector, or overseas, MedicsPro offers positions across the UK and beyond.