ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the anaesthetist's working day with tips on how to make it easier. Anaesthetist operating department practitioner or anaesthetic nurse will have set up the anaesthetic room, but it is the anaesthetist's responsibility to check that everything has been done. Using and checking the equipment is covered in more detail later, but anaesthetist should check the anaesthetic machines, suction units, all monitors and the airway equipment before the list starts. Before each list begins, all members of the anaesthetic, surgical and scrub teams should meet to have a team briefing. This is an opportunity to be introduced to everyone, begin to build a rapport with the surgeon and get answers to any practical questions anaesthetist may have. As well as anaesthetising patients anaesthetist will be required to manage the list. Managing a list is a formal way of saying, 'keeping the list running efficiently and safely'.
