The Department of Anaesthesia is one of the largest departments in Derriford Hospital, with nearly 50 consultants. The Anaesthetic Department at Derriford provides services to a large number of sites including 16 main theatres, two day case sites (5 theatres), labour ward, the X-Ray department, Accident and Emergency, Acute Pain Service, peripheral hospitals such as Tavistock and to the Plymouth Community Trust.
The Department is located on level 4 of Derriford Hospital adjacent to the main operating theatre suite.
Information for Patients
Theatres
The operating theatres at Derriford are the location where the surgeons, anaesthetists and a specialist team of perioperative practitioners work together to provide the highest standard of care for you during your operation. This includes the staff who collect you from the ward before your operation, through to the recovery staff who care for you when you wake up after your surgery. There are a large number of operating theatres at Derriford Hospital.
~ Main Operating Theatre Suite ( Theatres 1 - 18) located on Level 4
~ Plym Children and Young People's Theatre Unit located on Level 6
~ Freedom Unit located on Level 2
Specialist Services
We provide anaesthetic services for a wide variety of surgical specialities. Groups of anaesthetic consultants with extra expertise in anaesthesia for different surgical specialties work in teams to provide a comprehensive service and to ensure the highest standards of care. We provide specialist services as follows:
Private Patients - If you are a private patient having surgery at Derriford, further information regarding your admission can be obtained from your surgeon's secretary. If you would like to know more about your anaesthetist or about your anaesthetic, please contact Ms Carol Cann.
Private Anaesthetic Secretary: Ms Carol Cann 01752 777667
Website: www.plymouthanaesthesia.com
For further information about private patients service click here.
Anaesthesia for ECT (Electro-Convulsive Therapy)
Lead Consultant: Dr Chris Sweeting MBBS FRCA
A small group of experienced anaesthetists provide anaesthetic support for the ECT service in Plymouth. This service undergoes regular inspection and accreditation by the national ECT advisory service, run by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. If you require ECT, you will meet your anaesthetist before each treatment. You will be able to ask them any questions that you may have, and they will discuss the anaesthetic care with you.
Anaesthesia for Endoscopy
Lead Consultant: Dr Chris Sweeting MBBS FRCA
The endoscopy service at Derriford has a regular weekly session for patients who require general anaesthesia for their procedure. A small group of experienced anaesthetists work with your endoscopist. You will meet your anaesthetist before your investigation or treatment. You will be able to ask them any questions that you may have, and they will discuss the anaesthetic care with you. Please contact the endoscopy unit at Derriford hospital if you have any concerns on, or before the day of your procedure.
Allergy Testing
Consultant: Dr Paul Harvey, Dr Sarah Ford