Torbay anaesthetic team among just eight in UK to achieve third reaccreditation

Torbay Hospital’s anaesthetic team has achieved national accreditation for the third time, placing it among only eight teams in the UK to reach this milestone.

The team at Torbay Hospital has been reaccredited through the Royal College of Anaesthetists’ Anaesthesia Clinical Services Accreditation scheme, following an independent peer review of its services.

The scheme assesses anaesthetic departments against national standards covering patient experience, patient safety and clinical leadership.

Kate Lissett, Chief Medical Officer at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said the achievement reflected the work of staff across the service.

She added: “Being one of only eight departments in the UK to achieve accreditation three times reflects the expertise, professionalism and commitment of colleagues across the service and the wider teams they work alongside.”

Anaesthetists play a key role in hospital care, providing care for patients before, during and after planned and emergency surgery.

They also work across maternity services, intensive care and pain management, looking after patients in some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

Dr Claire Shannon, President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, praised the department’s “strong culture of teamwork, communication and patient-centred care across the department.”

Lead clinical reviewer Dr David Whitlock commented: “We saw a department with an ‘open door’ to communication where staff felt listened to and where there was a very strong commitment to delivering the best patient care possible.”

The review also recognised the team’s ‘Home Alone’ service, which provides follow-up telephone calls to every patient after surgery, with adaptations for people with additional needs.

This patient-centred service left a strong impression on lay reviewer Jenny Dorey, who said: “I would feel very safe and well looked after as a patient in your hospital.”

Will Key, clinical service lead for anaesthesia at the trust, said the accreditation reflected the contribution of staff across the hospital.

He added: “Most people will only meet their anaesthetist for a short time, but we have an important role in keeping them safe and supporting them before, during and after their operation.”

“Behind this achievement are colleagues who bring skill, professionalism and compassion to their work every day.”

“It reflects the contribution of anaesthetists, operating department practitioners, nurses, recovery staff and many others working together across the hospital.”

The reaccreditation marks continued recognition of Torbay Hospital’s anaesthetic team’s work, with patient safety and support remaining central to its services.