An anaesthetic is a drug or agent that produces a complete or partial loss of feeling. There are three kinds of anaesthetic: general, regional and local. When a patient undergoes a general anaesthetic, they lose sensation and become unconscious. General anaesthetic may be given as an injection or as a gas. An anaesthetist will administer a general anaesthetic 1.
Anaesthetic services are provided at WDHS by one qualified specialist, three qualified GP anaesthetists and a registrar. You may be required to see an anaesthetist prior to your surgery. This will be discussed during your pre-admission appointment. See the Pre-Admission Clinic page for further information.
Links
Better Health Channel, General Anaesthesia:
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/General_anaesthetics?open
Referral: Referrals to an anaesthetist are made when you have been accepted for surgery.