Neuroanaesthetists' experience of workload-related issues and long-duration cases

A survey of the members of the Neuroanaesthesia Society of Great Britain and Ireland was conducted to examine issues arising from the management of long cases. Replies were received from 47% of neuroanaesthetists. The survey highlights that consultants are working for prolonged periods without adequate rest. This may compromise patient safety, job satisfaction and recruitment to the specialty. These pressures are likely to increase as the European Working Time Directive reduces the availability of trainees, and because of expansion in neurosurgery and neuroradiology. Similar concerns are likely to extend into other anaesthetic specialties with long-duration cases and may apply to our surgical colleagues.