Anaesthetists work alongside surgical teams in the main and day surgery theatres, providing anaesthetic support for women in labour and with the help of an acute pain team, provide pain relief to patients who need it after an operation. 

The department also provides anaesthetic staff to the intensive care unit and a specialist outreach team helps medical staff with the care of sicker patients on the wards.

If you are coming into hospital and are told you will need either a general or local anaesthetic, you can find out more about how to prepare and what to expect here.