Scottish doctors lead the way on anaesthetics

Published on Monday 17 August 2009 22:57

A SCOTTISH hospital is leading the way in teaching a new anaesthetic method. The Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank has been developing a computer-controlled drug delivery system for patients having surgery.

Doctors there are now sharing knowledge of the technique with 44 medics visiting from China. The computer calculates how much anaesthetic is needed by a patient, based on criteria such as reaction to drugs, age and gender. It then monitors the patient to ensure a stable level is maintained throughout the operation.

Dr Nick Sutcliffe, clinical lead for anaesthetics, said: "It allows precise delivery of the drug for each patient and avoids delivering a dose too high or too low and, therefore, reduces the side-effects for the patient.

"We are delighted to be able to share our knowledge and expertise with our colleagues from China and hope that they will be able to go back to their hospitals and use this technique to improve care for their patients."

Professor Gavin Kenny, chairman of the European Society of Intravenous Anaesthesia, said: "The visit from the Chinese delegation underlines the international reputation the Golden Jubilee National Hospital has gained in this speciality."