The perioperative environment is a fast
paced dynamic area which has experienced
dramatic changes in recent years due to
the cost and target driven culture of the
present day’s NHS. The introduction of
complex technology, the development
of sophisticated surgical techniques
coupled with advances in anaesthetic
management have resulted in a highly
specialised area with increased risk
management requirements (Mehigan
2003). Perioperative practitioners,
including the anaesthetic nurse specialist
(ANS), provide holistic care before, during
and after surgical intervention additionally
cultivating a valuable nurse patient rapport
and providing advocacy (McGarvey et al
2000, Callaghan 2011).