Guidelines for the Allocation of Cases to Anaesthetists

(22 February, 1998)

• Definition of Emergency Cases
• Definition of Times for the Various Emergency Sessions
• Allocation of Cases to Anaesthetists
• Allocation of Cases to Anaesthetists - Additional Guidelines

Definition of Emergency Case

Definition of  Times for the Various Emergency Sessions

Allocation of Cases to Anaesthetists

General Rule

Exceptions

1. When the Emergency list is heavily booked and can be cleared in another OT which is free, and the nursing staff is available, that Scheduled Anaesthetist will provide the anaesthesia unless the Emergency Anaesthetist is free (for example, when the main Emergency List is a local case)
2. When a surgeon with a scheduled list requests to slot in an emergency case within the scheduled time limit i.e. 08:30 h to 13:30 h or 13:30 h to 18:00 h, the Scheduled Anaesthetist will provide the anaesthesia
3. When a surgeon with a scheduled list requests to slot an emergency case at the end of the list after the scheduled time it is agreed that:-
1. the On-call Anaesthetist provides the anaesthetic, unless
2. the surgeon makes a specific request.
4. If a scheduled list runs past the scheduled time i.e. 18:00 h, and is allowed to continue, the Scheduled Anaesthetist will continue to provide the anaesthetic since the patient has been premedicated and seen by that anaesthetist.
5. When an obstetric epidural block is done and later requires an anaesthetic, the On-call Anaesthetist will be contacted unless the anaesthetist who performed the epidural block has informed the labour room staff of his/her intentions. Therefore, all anaesthetist providing epidural service, please remember to inform the labour room staff of your intention of providing anaesthesia after hours.

Additional Guidelines on Allocation of Cases to Anaesthetists

(10 April 1998)

1. The first situation is when there is a 2nd team case to be done and the 1st on-call anaesthetist is available. We have unanimously agreed that in this case, the 1st on-call anaesthetist will do the case.
2. The exception to the above rule is when the 2nd on-call anaesthetist has already been called for the case, and is either in the hospital or is on the way to the hospital. Here, we have generally agreed that the 2nd on-call anaesthetist will do the case. However, the 2nd on-call anaesthetist, if he so desires, has the option to ask the 1st on-call anaesthetist to do the case. This is especially if the 1st on-call anaesthetist is already in the hospital.