Anaesthetists provide safe anaesthesia and sedation for surgery and a wide range of procedures, manage pain before and after operations, and care for patients in emergency situations. They are closely involved in maternity services, providing labour analgesia such as epidurals and spinal anaesthesia for caesarean sections. Anaesthetists work closely with surgeons, midwives, nurses, and other specialists to ensure patients are comfortable, closely monitored, and well supported from before their procedure through to recovery.
What does my anaesthetist do?
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.
- Providing epidural pain relief for delivery on Labour Ward
- Providing anaesthesia for mothers who require surgery for, or shortly after delivery
- Care of the critically ill adult in the Intensive Care/High Dependency Unit
- Outreach support to the wards and the Emergency Department
- Stabilisation of critically ill children prior to retrieval by the specialist transport teams
Types of Anaesthetic
Local Anaesthetic
A local anaesthetic numbs a small part of the body where you are having the operation. It is used when nerves can be easily reached by drops, sprays, ointments or injections. You stay conscious, but free from pain. Common examples of surgery using local anaesthetic are having teeth removed and some common operations on the eye.
General Anaesthetic
General anaesthesia is a state of controlled unconsciousness during which you feel nothing. You will have no memory of what happens while you are anaesthetised. A general anaesthetic is required for a very wide range of operations. This includes most major operations on the heart, lungs or in the abdomen, and many operations on the brain or the major arteries. Anaesthetic drugs are injected into a vein, or anaesthetic gases are given to you to breathe. These drugs stop the brain from responding to sensory messages travelling from nerves in the body. Anaesthetic unconsciousness is different from a natural sleep. You cannot be woken from an anaesthetic until the drugs are stopped and their effects wear off.
Regional Anaesthetic
This is when a local anaesthetic drug is injected near to the nerves that supply a larger or deeper area of the body. The area of the body affected becomes numb.
- Spinal and Epidural Anaesthetic
Spinals and epidurals are the most common types of regional anaesthetics. These injections can be used for operations on the lower body, such as caesarean section, bladder operations or replacing a hip. You stay conscious, but free from pain.
- Nerve Blocks
A nerve block is an injection of local anaesthetic given near a group of nerves to temporarily numb the part of the body where your operation will take place. For example, an axillary nerve block is given in the armpit to numb the hand and arm for hand surgery, providing pain relief during and after the operation.
Sedation
Sedation involves using small amounts of anaesthetic drugs to produce a ‘sleep-like’ state. There are different levels of sedation. Commonly, sedation will make you feel drowsy and relaxed about what is happening. You may sleep for a period but the person giving your sedation will speak with you and you may be aware of where you are for some of the procedure.
Some people having a local or regional anaesthetic do not want to be fully awake for surgery. They choose to have sedation as well. You may remember everything, something or nothing after sedation. However, sedation does not guarantee that you will have no memory of the operation. Only a general anaesthetic can do that
Combinations
Anaesthetic techniques can often be used together. For example, a regional anaesthetic may be given for pain relief after an operation for which you have had a general anaesthetic. The general anaesthetic allows you to remain unconscious and remember nothing.
What can I expect?
Our anaesthetic team is involved in your care before, during, and after your procedure. Our aim is to ensure your comfort, safety, and wellbeing at every stage.
Before Your Procedure
Before your operation or procedure, you may be asked to attend a pre-assessment clinic or have a discussion with a member of the anaesthetic team. This helps us plan your care and make your anaesthetic as safe as possible.
We will:
- Review your medical history, medications, and allergies
- Discuss previous anaesthetics and any concerns you may have
- Explain the type of anaesthesia or sedation recommended for you
- Provide clear instructions about fasting (not eating or drinking) and medications
You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss pain relief options.
On the Day of Your Procedure
Your surgery will usually take place in the Day Surgery Unit or Main Theatres
On the day, you will meet your anaesthetist, who will look after you throughout your procedure. They will confirm the planned anaesthetic and answer any last-minute questions.
During your procedure:
- You will be closely monitored at all times
- Anaesthesia or sedation will be tailored to your individual needs
- Your comfort, breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate will be continuously checked
For procedures requiring sedation, you may feel relaxed and drowsy while remaining comfortable. For surgery, you may receive a general or regional anaesthetic depending on your care plan.
After Your Procedure
After your procedure, you will be cared for in a recovery area by trained staff until you are fully awake and comfortable.
We will:
- Monitor your recovery closely
- Manage pain, nausea, or other side effects
- Adjust pain relief to suit your needs
The anaesthetic team may continue to review you on the ward, particularly if you have had major surgery, regional anaesthesia, or require specialist pain management.
Ensuring High Standards of Care
Harrogate District Hospital’s Department of Anaesthesia was awarded the prestigious Anaesthesia Clinical Services Accreditation (ACSA) by the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) in 2024. This was the third time it has been ACSA accredited.
ACSA is the RCoA’s peer-reviewed scheme that promotes quality improvement and the highest standards of anaesthetic service. To receive accreditation, departments are expected to demonstrate high standards in areas such as patient experience, patient safety and clinical leadership
Key Staff
Departmental Secretary
Carol Shulver
Clinical Service Leads of Department
Dr Thomas Collyer
Dr Sarah Marsh
College Tutor (Royal College of Anaesthetists)
Dr Thomas Knapp
Contact Details
Department Secretary Carol Shulver: [email protected]
Tel: 01423 553559
Useful links and resources
Adults
Regional Anaesthesia (Peripheral Nerve Blocks)
Caring for someone recovering from a general anaesthetic or sedation
Information about pain relief and anaesthesia during labour and caesarean section
Children
Your Child’s General Anaesthetic
Helplines
Headache following spinal or epidural anaesthesia
If you have had a spinal or epidural anaesthetic for surgery and are experiencing a headache that is getting worse then please ring the hospital switchboard and ask to be put through to the consultant anaesthetist of the day (0900-1700) or the on-call theatre anaesthetist (1700-0900 next day).
If you have had a spinal or epidural for a Caesarean Section, surgery related to childbirth or pain relief during labour and are experiencing a headache that is getting worse then please ring our Maternity Assessment Centre (MAC) on 01423 557 531 and ask to speak to the obstetric anaesthetist on call.
Residual Numbness after 24hours post Nerve Block/Regional Anaesthesia
If you have had a nerve block for surgery but the numbness has lasted more than 24 hours please ring the hospital switchboard and ask to be put through to the consultant anaesthetist of the day (0900-1700) or the on-call theatre anaesthetist (1700-0900 next day).