1. Patient Reception

1.1 On arrival of a patient at the operating suite reception desk, the patient check nurse carries out the identification procedures as per specified check - in procedures.

1.2 The patient check nurse and transport orderly are located at reception. When the identification procedure has been completed, the transport orderly with the patient check nurse, wheels the patient to the appropriate anaesthetic room where the orderly will place a white cap on the patient's head.

1.3 This checking procedure does not exempt the anaesthetist or surgeon from the responsibility of satisfying themselves as to the correct identity of the patient and the procedure to be performed.

1.4 Patients are placed in the Anaesthetic Room prior to surgery. On arrival in the Anaesthetic Room, the Anaesthetic Nurse will :-

1.4.1 Receive a complete handover report from the patient check nurse and make the patient comfortable.

1.4.2 Verify the consent and notify the Anaesthetist of any queries or discrepancies (see Guidelines for Consent)

1.4.3 Apply a cuff and take the patient's blood pressure, entering the result on the anaesthetic chart.

1.4.4 Inform the Anaesthetist that the patient has arrived.

1.5 If the patient is calm, not confused, not in need of oxygen or intravenous fluids and not an emergency case, he/she may now be left alone if the Anaesthetic Nurse has other duties. Patients who are "poor risks" or restless, confused, anxious or upset should not be left alone. If there is any doubt as to whether the nurse should remain with the patient, the Anaesthetist should be consulted.