1. PRINCIPLES

1.1 The prior consent of the obstetrician, anaesthetist and operating suite Senior Nurse Manager must be obtained (notes 1 & 2).

1.2 Patients must have epidural anaesthesia only, as the primary aim of the attendance in support of an awake subject under regional anaesthesia for major surgery.

1.3 Caesarean section must be elective (Note 1) or of a non-emergency nature (Note 2) i.e. NOT for foetal distress, cord prolapse, eclampsia etc. Failure to progress, which is acceptable within these guidelines, would be the principal indication for non-elective caesarean section.

1.4 The father, or support person, must be informed beforehand that :-

* He/she must be prepared to leave immediately if requested to do so.

* He/she will not be permitted to enter or view other areas within the operating suite.

* The bringing of a camera into the operating suite is at the discretion of the surgical team.