Carry out delegated activities in the anaesthetic environment/Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU)

This standard involves carrying out activities that are delegated to you by a registered practitioner within the anaesthetic environment/Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU).

This includes preparing the environment and equipment for the reception of individuals into the anaesthetic care area/PACU and carrying out delegated care activities to assist the registered practitioner in the care of individuals anaesthetic phase

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1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their consent, privacy, beliefs, and dignity
7. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
8. ensure, in consultation with the registered practitioner. that all necessary equipment is available and fit for purpose
9. report equipment that is not fit for purpose to the registered practitioner
10. assist in transferring the individual to the anaesthetic environment/ Post Anaesthetic Care Unit
11. assist the registered practitioner during reception and care of the individual, providing support as required within own sphere of competence
12. support the registered practitioner in the assessment and management of the individual undergoing anaesthesia/sedation/post-operative care
13. assist as directed by the registered practitioner in any clinical emergency interventions
14. measure and record clinical observations under direct supervision of the registered practitioner
15. report any deviation from normal clinical parameters to the registered practitioner
16. handle and use all equipment correctly and safely throughout, consistent with manufacturer's instructions
17. clean reusable equipment following relevant procedures and dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
18. carry out routine stock taking for disposables/fluids/linen in accordance with organisational procedures
19. maintain the cleanliness of the care environment

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1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual  
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
11. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
12. the application of standard precautions to preparing the anaesthetic environment/ Post Anaesthetic Care Unit and the potential consequences of poor practice
13. the reasons the anaesthetic care environment/ Post Anaesthetic Care Unit may be stressful for the individual and ways in which the individual may be reassured
14. the potential difficulties in communicating with individuals prior to and following anaesthesia/sedation and how they can be overcome
15. the significance of continuous individual observation and the importance of reporting to the registered practitioner
16. the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system in relation to measurement of pulse and blood pressure
17. how anaesthesia and surgery may affect pulse and blood pressure
18. the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system related to measurement of respiratory function
19. how anaesthesia and surgery may affect the respiratory system during the perioperative period and the importance of correct positioning
20. the anatomy and physiology of the renal system related to urinary output
21. how anaesthesia may affect the renal system during the perioperative period and how this may affect urinary output
22. the thermoregulatory system and how this may be affected during the perioperative period
23. the importance of the need for warming individuals during the perioperative period
24. the skeleton and peripheral nervous system related to checking warmth, colour, sensation and movement
25. the types, purpose and function of materials and equipment required in the anaesthetic environment/ Post Anaesthetic Care Unit
26. the types, purpose and function of materials and equipment required for measuring non-invasive clinical observations
27. the types of essential anaesthetic/recovery equipment used for individuals requiring anaesthesia or recovering from anaesthesia

28. the normal parameters and methods for measuring individuals, including:

    • temperature
    • pulse and blood pressure
    • respiration and oxygen levels
    • urinary output
    • warmth, colour, sensation and movement of limbs
      

29. the common adverse reactions related to anaesthetic and recovery care which individuals may experience and the importance of recognising and immediately reporting adverse reactions to the registered practitioner

30. risk assessment in the anaesthetic/sedation/recovery care area and the assistance required by the registered practitioner/clinician when any hazards are identified or actually occur
31. the importance of reporting the status of essential anaesthetic/recovery equipment to the registered practitioner
32. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirement

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2

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2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHPCS25

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Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

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2259

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Perioperative, care, delegated, activities, anaesthetic, post

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