Uni graduates bolster the NHS
A shortage of clinical staff has given rise to a new type of employee in the past twenty years drawn from the ranks of university graduates with Life Science or health profession degrees.
Anaesthesia Associates are part of a group called medical associate professionals who initially undergo a two-year clinical placement.
Sarah Massey is one of two Anaesthesia Associates employed by the trust who work under the direction of a consultant offering general anaesthesia, procedural sedation and pre and post-operative care to patients.
She was recently made the President of the Association of Anaesthesia Associates (AAA) representing one hundred and eighty colleagues across the UK.
Sarah said: “It is an interesting specialism to work in and really came to the fore during the pandemic when the public could see what an integral role anaesthetists play.
“We offer continuity of care, add strength and flexibility to the anaesthesia team and free up consultants’ time so they can attend to more complex cases. In many areas we can improve theatre throughput and reduce downtime.”
Sarah hopes her two-year tenure as president will see patients and clinical colleagues gain greater understanding of her fellow associates roles, strengthen the work of the AAA and bring official regulation from the General Medical Council.
“Anaesthesia Associates are a great addition to the workforce at a time of need. I really enjoy working as part of a multidisciplinary team in one of the biggest departments in the trust.”