Preoperative assessment
The Anaesthetic Room
The Operating Theatre
Recovery Ward
Consultant Anaesthetist
Consultant anaesthetists are doctors who have had specialist training in anaesthesia. A consultant anaesthetist has completed the full anaesthetic training which takes around seven years to complete after general medical school and training.
Anaesthetist in Training
Also known as ‘resident anaesthetists’, anaesthetists in training are doctors who are trained and assessed in each area of anaesthesia. As they progress through their training they will be expected to work more autonomously. All anaesthetists in training are appropriately supervised and a consultant is always available if needed.
Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)
These are trained professionals who have completed a three-year degree course on patient safety and care of the patient in the surgical period. They work in various roles to support the anaesthetist and the surgeon. They also provide care in the recovery room.
Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)
These are trained professionals who have completed a three-year degree course on patient safety and care of the patient in the surgical period. They work in various roles to support the anaesthetist and the surgeon. They also provide care in the recovery room.
Surgeon
The doctor who performs the operation.
Theatre and Anaesthetic Nurses
Theatre nurses have completed a full general nursing training and have chosen to specialise in theatre work. An extra six-month training course in anaesthetics allows them to work as an anaesthetic assistant.
Recovery Room staff
Staff in the recovery room may be nurses or Operating Department Practitioners. They will look after you immediately after you leave the operating theatre. They check your breathing, pain relief and fluids. They monitor you closely until you are ready to return to the ward.
Physician Assistants in Anaesthesia (PAAs) (also known as Anaesthesia Associates (AAs))
These are trained practitioners who have completed a two year course based on a specific curriculum. They work within the anaesthetic team under the supervision of a consultant or an autonomously practising Specialty and Specialist (SAS) doctor. PAAs are not doctors but are skilled practitioners.
Medical students and staffin training
There may be other staff in training in and around operating theatres. They can only take part in your care if they are carefully supervised and with your permission.
Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)
These are trained professionals who have completed a three-year degree course on patient safety and care of the patient in the surgical period. They work in various roles to support the anaesthetist and the surgeon. They also provide care in the recovery room.
Preoperative Assessment Nurse
Preoperative assessment staff are responsible for assessing your health before an operation. They will carry out checks and arrange tests as necessary. They will also explain about risk and discuss any concerns you might have. If your surgery is complex and there are many risks, an anaesthetist may carry out your preoperative assessment.
Specialty and Specialist (SAS) Anaesthetists
Specialty anaesthetists have at least two years of specialist training in anaesthesia, but can have many years of experience working as an anaesthetist. Depending on their skills and experience these doctors may work alone, but will have a senior anaesthetist who they can ask for advice or assistance if required.
Specialist anaesthetists are doctors who have at least six years experience in anaesthesia and are at least 12 years post-qualification. These anaesthetists can work independently (often called autonomously practicing).
Consultant Anaesthetist
Consultant anaesthetists are doctors who have had specialist training in anaesthesia. A consultant anaesthetist has completed the full anaesthetic training which takes around seven years to complete after general medical school and training.
Anaesthetist in Training
Also known as ‘resident anaesthetists’, anaesthetists in training are doctors who are trained and assessed in each area of anaesthesia. As they progress through their training they will be expected to work more autonomously. All anaesthetists in training are appropriately supervised and a consultant is always available if needed.
Anaesthesia Team 2026
RCoA
Created on May 12, 2026
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Transcript
Preoperative assessment
The Anaesthetic Room
The Operating Theatre
Recovery Ward
Consultant Anaesthetist
Consultant anaesthetists are doctors who have had specialist training in anaesthesia. A consultant anaesthetist has completed the full anaesthetic training which takes around seven years to complete after general medical school and training.
Anaesthetist in Training
Also known as ‘resident anaesthetists’, anaesthetists in training are doctors who are trained and assessed in each area of anaesthesia. As they progress through their training they will be expected to work more autonomously. All anaesthetists in training are appropriately supervised and a consultant is always available if needed.
Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)
These are trained professionals who have completed a three-year degree course on patient safety and care of the patient in the surgical period. They work in various roles to support the anaesthetist and the surgeon. They also provide care in the recovery room.
Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)
These are trained professionals who have completed a three-year degree course on patient safety and care of the patient in the surgical period. They work in various roles to support the anaesthetist and the surgeon. They also provide care in the recovery room.
Surgeon
The doctor who performs the operation.
Theatre and Anaesthetic Nurses
Theatre nurses have completed a full general nursing training and have chosen to specialise in theatre work. An extra six-month training course in anaesthetics allows them to work as an anaesthetic assistant.
Recovery Room staff
Staff in the recovery room may be nurses or Operating Department Practitioners. They will look after you immediately after you leave the operating theatre. They check your breathing, pain relief and fluids. They monitor you closely until you are ready to return to the ward.
Physician Assistants in Anaesthesia (PAAs) (also known as Anaesthesia Associates (AAs))
These are trained practitioners who have completed a two year course based on a specific curriculum. They work within the anaesthetic team under the supervision of a consultant or an autonomously practising Specialty and Specialist (SAS) doctor. PAAs are not doctors but are skilled practitioners.
Medical students and staffin training
There may be other staff in training in and around operating theatres. They can only take part in your care if they are carefully supervised and with your permission.
Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)
These are trained professionals who have completed a three-year degree course on patient safety and care of the patient in the surgical period. They work in various roles to support the anaesthetist and the surgeon. They also provide care in the recovery room.
Preoperative Assessment Nurse
Preoperative assessment staff are responsible for assessing your health before an operation. They will carry out checks and arrange tests as necessary. They will also explain about risk and discuss any concerns you might have. If your surgery is complex and there are many risks, an anaesthetist may carry out your preoperative assessment.
Specialty and Specialist (SAS) Anaesthetists
Specialty anaesthetists have at least two years of specialist training in anaesthesia, but can have many years of experience working as an anaesthetist. Depending on their skills and experience these doctors may work alone, but will have a senior anaesthetist who they can ask for advice or assistance if required. Specialist anaesthetists are doctors who have at least six years experience in anaesthesia and are at least 12 years post-qualification. These anaesthetists can work independently (often called autonomously practicing).
Consultant Anaesthetist
Consultant anaesthetists are doctors who have had specialist training in anaesthesia. A consultant anaesthetist has completed the full anaesthetic training which takes around seven years to complete after general medical school and training.
Anaesthetist in Training
Also known as ‘resident anaesthetists’, anaesthetists in training are doctors who are trained and assessed in each area of anaesthesia. As they progress through their training they will be expected to work more autonomously. All anaesthetists in training are appropriately supervised and a consultant is always available if needed.