3. Selection and Conduct of Anaesthesia

3.1 Checking of the anaesthetic machine is the responsibility of the Anaesthetist.

3.2 Monitoring during anaesthesia must be according to the recommendations of the Faculty of Anaesthetists minimal monitoring standards.

3.3 Anaesthetic Nurses participate in the setting up of monitoring equipment and assist in the placement of intra-arterial cannulae where appropriate. The Anaesthetic Nurse should not leave the Operating Room without informing the Anaesthetist and it would be expected that if there are no other duties to be attended to, the Anaesthetic Nurse would stay and participate in the monitoring and observation of the patient.

3.4 An oxygen analyser must be used for the fresh gas flow of every anaesthetic.

3.5 The method of anaesthesia is the prerogative of the Consultant Anaesthetist to select. Registrars may be granted discretion of choice by the responsible Consultant, but should, at all times, discuss the question of technique with the Consultant concerned before proceeding.

3.6 Patient monitoring by BP and pulse oximetry is mandatory except for cases of very brief duration.

3.7 Capnography is mandatory for all intubated patients.

3.8 In all patients dependent on mechanical ventilation, the airway pressure alarm shall be activated and appropriately adjusted and capnography is to be used.