Anaesthesia Associates

 

Anaesthesia Associates (AAs) are highly skilled professionals, trained to safely deliver anaesthesia under the direction and supervision of a consultant anaesthetist. AAs are a continuous, flexible and reliable workforce that can contribute to an anaesthetic department in many different ways.

London Anaesthesia Associate (AA) Training Programme

The London Anaesthesia Associate training programme is responsible for the delivery and quality assurance of training and education of AAs across London. There are 12 Student Anaesthesia Associates currently training within our London programme. 

Training Programme Lead                                      London Anaesthesia Associate Ambassador

                                           

Dr Daniel Heaton                                                      Frances Marfleet

Consultant Anaesthetist UCLH                              Anaesthesia Associate UCLH

For more information, please email Daniel Heaton and Frances Marfleet.

University College London (UCL)

In September 2021, UCL launched the Anaesthesia and Perioperative Science Master’s Programme. This equips student AAs with the academic and professional qualities to undertake the role of an Anaesthesia Associate. This is a two-year blended learning programme taught by experts in the perioperative field. Please visit the website for more information.

Royal College of Anaesthetists and AAs 

The Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) hold the AA Managed Voluntary Register (MVR). All qualified AAs are encouraged to maintain their presence on the AA Managed Voluntary Register. Alongside this, AAs are eligible to become affiliate members of the RCoA.

Together with the General Medical Council, the RCoA has developed the Anaesthesia Associate Curriculum to ensure quality of knowledge and training and to align professional standards.

The RCoA has developed an AA scope of practice document to outline supervision standards and appropriate ways of working. Find more about the RCoA and AAs.

In March 2023 we held an Anaesthesia Associate information event at the Royal College of Anaesthetists. You can hear presentations from the day on the AA role and introducing AAs into an anaesthetic department.

General Medical Council and AAs

The General Medical Council (GMC) is currently designing the processes and policies required to regulate Anaesthesia Associates. Regulation with the GMC is expected to begin in the second half of 2024. Please visit the GMC website for more information.

Association of Anaesthesia Associates

The Association of Anaesthesia Associates is the representative body of the Anaesthesia Associate role in the UK. The aims of the Association are to:

• ensure the highest standards of patient care through the education and registration of Anaesthesia Associates
• promote the interests of the profession nationally.

Useful resources 

• Student AA Job description
• A Guide to Supervising Student Anaesthesia Associates in London
• Expression of Interest form for Student AA funding
• Expression of Interest guidance document

To hear about the experience of the Consultant Anaesthetists working with AAs and of AAs themselves, please visit the NHSE Anaesthesia Associate webpage to watch some filmed interviews.