The neuroanaesthesia workforce in Great Britain and Ireland

A survey of the 36 units that provide a neuroanaesthesia service in Great Britain and Ireland was conducted. It shows the variation in the type of hospital, the number of whole-time equivalent neuroanaesthetists, the number of operating sessions and the number of neurosurgical beds per million of the catchment population of each unit. On-call commitment and arrangements for managing long cases are described. Current problems pertaining to neuroanaesthetic practice are mentioned. This survey will provide a basis for the planning of future neuroanaesthetic services, as the potential of expansion of neurosurgery and neuroradiology is realised. However, it is difficult to make accurate projections and hence advise on future workforce requirements in a climate of changing service delivery. Attention should be given to a number of workforce issues highlighted in this survey if recruitment into neuroanaesthesia is to be encouraged.