What do anaesthetists do?

Anaesthetists are mainly responsible for keeping the patient safe and free of pain during a surgery. Prior to the scheduled operation, the anaesthetist will meet with the patient and discuss the procedure and what is the most appropriate anaesthetic technique for the operation. The anaesthetist will inform the patient of the risks involved in administering anaesthesia. During the operation the anaesthetist will continuously monitor the patients blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and brain function. After the operation, their role will involve the provision of post-operative medicines to relieve the post operative pain. The anaesthetist will also give the instructions as to when the patient can eat and drink again.