Provision of care for patients. Mechanical ventilation in the PACU

The mechanical ventilation of patients within postanaesthetic care units (PACUs) is a practice that clinicians have experienced and assisted with for several years. The author's own clinical area, a PACU serving a large theatre suite, has recently seen provisions put in place to cater specifically for critically ill patients who require mechanical ventilation. The majority of patients requiring intervention are those that are in the immediate postoperative stage of their care, however patients from all wards and departments within the Trust, as well as those admitted through the accident and emergency department, are also accepted.