Who gives me a general anaesthetic?
General anaesthetics are only given by anaesthetists. These are doctors who have specialist training in anaesthesia, as well as pain management and emergency care. If you need a general anaesthetic during your operation, your anaesthetist will visit you in the ward (or at a pre-assessment clinic or just before your procedure if you go in as a day case) in order to discuss with you the different types of anaesthesia and the different risks. The anaesthetist will also make sure you are asleep and secure during the procedure (an anaesthetist will stay with you at all times) and that when you come round afterwards you will be comfortable and pain free.
