The Department of Anaesthesia, Perioperative Medicine and Pain provides anaesthetic care for patients undergoing surgery and a variety of procedures across Northern Health. We support patients before, during and after their procedure to ensure safe, high-quality care and an optimal recovery.
Our department provides anaesthetic services for elective and emergency surgery across multiple Northern Health campuses. This includes general, regional and sedation-based anaesthesia for adults and children undergoing a wide range of surgical and procedural care.
We are also actively involved in perioperative medicine, including preoperative assessment, optimisation of complex patients, and collaborative decision-making around goals of care. Our anaesthetists work closely with surgeons, physicians, nursing staff and allied health teams to ensure coordinated and patient-centred care throughout the surgical journey.
Our Acute Pain Service supports patients after surgery to ensure pain is well controlled and recovery is optimised. The team conducts daily ward rounds and provides specialised pain management techniques when required.
What to expect from the service?
If you are having surgery or a procedure, you will usually meet your anaesthetist before the procedure. They will review your medical history, medications and any previous anaesthetic experiences. This may occur in a preadmission clinic, on the ward, or on the day of your procedure.
Your anaesthetist will explain the type of anaesthetic recommended, discuss the benefits and risks, and answer any questions you may have. Together, you will make a plan that is tailored to your health needs and preferences.
During your procedure, your anaesthetist will monitor you closely and ensure you are safe and comfortable. After the procedure, we continue to monitor you as you wake up and manage any pain, nausea or other symptoms.
For patients with complex medical conditions, we may be involved earlier in the process to help optimise health prior to surgery and to clarify goals of care. Our priority is safe, respectful and high-quality care at every stage.