Anaesthetists Handbook - MEDICAL EDUCATION at University ...

Miscellaneous issueslabour ward anaesthetist until approved by the general consultant oncall for the day, and they have been instructed on accessing theObstetric Anaesthetists Handbook on the intranet or been given apersonal copy, even if they have previously worked in this hospital'slabour ward. This consultant should satisfy himself or herself that thelocum understands their responsibilities and duties, and the path ofreferral for help and advice.Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) andanaesthetic nurses[Appraised by Dr Edwin Borman, January 2010]CompetencyThese persons are employed as Medical Technical Officers inUHCW. We also have some anaesthetic nurses working with us. Theterm ODP used here encompasses all MTOs, people known asODPs or ODAs, and anaesthetic nurses.The ODP’s activities are undertaken at the direction of the relevantanaesthetist. The responsibility for any actions undertaken by theODP thus lies with the relevant anaesthetist. You must thereforeexercise reasonable judgment in what you ask the ODP to do. ODPsdo not require certification to perform actions directed by ananaesthetist.Requests for presence to assist with resuscitationThe decision to ask for an ODP’s assistance in the EmergencyDepartment is a clinical one, based on the skill mix among staffpresent at the resuscitation and the clinical needs of the patient. Thedecision will be taken by the senior anaesthetist present. As a clinicaldecision, the request will be respected.The request should be made, in the first instance, to floor control intheatres (25959). All possible efforts will be made to supply an ODPas soon as possible. Unfortunately, it is not possible to guarantee onewill always be immediately available, but we will try.Anaesthetists Handbook January 2010 217