National Anaesthetic Technicians Day 2023 – A special thanks to a great team!
Today (14 March 2023) Southern Cross Healthcare is celebrating National Anaesthetic Technicians Day 2023 and expressing our thanks to our amazing team of anaesthetic technicians (ATs) for the essential contribution they make in supporting the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders. Today, and every day, we are grateful to our ATs who continue to support patients by going that extra mile whilst the country navigates continuing workforce shortages. Your determination and utmost commitment to patient care makes a difference each day – thank you!
The theme of this year’s celebration is to recognise the significant contribution ATs make outside of their day-to-day responsibilities in the operating theatre. Chris Nicholson and Charles Harsono are just two of our awesome ATs whose quiet achievements are cause for celebration this year.
Chris Nicholson, based in our Hamilton Hospital, has developed a course to teach our ATs and nurses to improve their IV cannulation technique by using ultrasound. His course has proven particularly good for patients who don’t like needles, and those who often require multiple attempts to establish an IV. Infusing Medicine Education (IME LP) endorse the Ultrasound Peripheral (IV USS PIV) Cannulation Course created by Chris, a great achievement and testament to his hard work and dedication.
Christchurch-based Charles Harsono’s research into nitrous oxide flows during anaesthetic machine checking protocols has supported a reduction in our carbon footprint. Charles presented his study at the NZ Anaesthetic Technician’s conference in 2021 and his recommendations have been incorporated into their national anaesthetic machine guidelines.
“The work of Chris, Charles, and the many other ATs at Southern Cross Healthcare is remarkable” says Southern Cross Healthcare Chief Medical Officer, Dr Matt Clark. “The mahi they put in, and the care they show our patients, is an important factor in why we remain a premium provider of healthcare as well as a great place to work.”
The role of anaesthetic technicians
ATs are primarily based in operating theatres; working closely with the theatre team to ensure our patients have safe anaesthesia and surgery. They are often the first to turn the theatre lights on in the morning, checking critical care equipment and preparing for their patients’ care needs. ATs work closely with the nursing teams to keep theatre lists running smoothly. Often among the last to leave at the end of shift, they stay on-site to support our post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses. ATs also respond to resuscitation and transfer events in the hospital and are valued for their support in emergency situations.
New anaesthetic technician degree qualification
The new qualification for ATs is the BHSc Perioperative Practice. Southern Cross Healthcare is delighted to work in partnership with AUT to have hosted student clinical placements in our hospitals as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the profession. Find out more here.
We are looking forward to welcoming the first intake of new graduates into the workforce from November 2023 and celebrating you all on National Anaesthetic Technicians Day 2024!