Gisborne Hospital Report - Health and Disability Commissioner

Gisborne Hospital 1999 – 2000
Operating Theatre Protocols
OT. Child calm when entering OT 3, mum and [technician] speaking
with child. Dr Lucas entered OT 3 and approached child in the same
way as in airlock. Child became distressed again.
Dr Lucas approached [the anaesthetic technician], and asked to speak
with her in the anaesthetic room. [The anaesthetic technician] returned
to the operating theatre. Dr Lucas did not.
Dr Lucas had discussed anaesthetic process with the [technician] and
sequence of events for this anaesthetic.
1950 hrs [Dr Lucas] still not present. I then spoke with the [surgeon] in
OT3 set up room with regard to the situation. [The surgeon] found Dr
Lucas and discussed matters.
Dr Lucas indicated that [the technician] wouldn’t assist him with his
proposed method of anaesthetic induction. Dr Lucas requested the
opportunity to instruct [the technician] and then he would proceed. The
surgeon, the nurse and the technician spoke and agreed that [the
technician] would be instructed and that I would accompany [the
technician] whilst taking instruction. We believed that by [doing so] the
patient’s best interests would be accommodated.
We duly proceeded with above – unfortunately we could not locate Dr
Lucas in the OT. Having searched the department we returned to the
reception area – Brian was then present. We proceeded as above. Dr
Lucas instructed [the technician]. His instruction was not pertaining to
anaesthetic techniques but how she should position her body whilst
restraining the patient and acting as a tourniquet.
I offered the assistance of the two RNs present – this offer was refused.
We proceeded to OT3 and began the anaesthetic.
2010 hrs. Dr Lucas used a syringe and needle to administer the IV
drugs. No IV line was used. Therefore there was no IV access during
the procedure.
[The technician] was unable to pre-oxygenate the patient as was
occupied restraining patient. [The technician] was unable to assist with
intubation as above.
When Dr Lucas was absent from OT he had phoned [the Charge
Anaesthetic Technician] and two other technicians requesting assistance
as he believed [the technician] was refusing him assistance.”
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