Why do I need to see an anaesthetist before surgery?
If you’re about to have an operation, ask for an assessment by an anaesthetist – ideally the one who will do the operation. This is especially important if you are older or frail. This assessment should be automatic, but sometimes it is missed.
Anaesthetists are the doctors who put you to sleep (with a general anaesthetic). It’s important that they can assess whether you are fit enough (and, if not, there may be other options like spinal or local anaesthetics).
You can ask your surgeon or their secretary for this to happen.
Having a good anaesthetist is just as important as a good surgeon!
