Anaesthetic Unit

Anaesthetics, also called anaesthesia, is an area of medicine dedicated to the removal of pain and sensation during surgical procedures.

Anaesthetics is a medical specialty where consultant anaesthetists help our consultant surgeons carry out procedures with minimum discomfort for patients.

Our consultant anaesthetists have a vast pool of experience with a wide variety of specialist interests and skills.

Depending on your procedure, the type of anaesthetic you have will be chosen by you, in consultation with your anaesthetist and surgeon. This area of medicine is considered to be one of the safest in healthcare, but it's vital to have a thorough assessment beforehand.

The treatment induces controlled unconsciousness (like sleep), so you shouldn't feel any pain. Local or regional anaesthetics are usually given for more minor procedures. They involve injecting anaesthetic to numb the area of the body being operated on.

You shouldn't feel pain, but you may feel pressure and movement. Full sensation should return when the medicine has worn off a few hours later.

Most of our consultant anaesthetists are established consultants at the Royal United Hospital, Bath and others work as consultants in other NHS Trusts within the region.

Each consultant is highly experienced with specific areas of anaesthetic expertise from orthopaedic to gynaecology and urology to general surgery.

Meet the experts

Your anaesthetic care is provided by a Consultant Anaesthetist who you will meet before your surgery. This is the best opportunity to ask any questions.