Regional anaesthesia is a growing anaesthetic subspecialty with a demonstrable role in the provision of high-quality anaesthesia and analgesia. Royal North Shore Hospital presents a wide range of educational and clinical regional anaesthesia opportunities. Peripheral rotations to pro-regional hospitals including Port Macquarie and Lismore provide further exposure.
From an educational perspective, RNSH has a strong teaching culture. Fellowship exam-focused regional anaesthesia teaching has recently been complemented by a stand-alone structured regional anaesthesia program. This evolving program aims to develop a grounding in regional anaesthesia allowing trainees to take advantage of clinical opportunities that arise. The program currently focuses on practical hands-on ultrasound scanning with a plan to incorporate accompanying lectures in the future.
From a clinical perspective, Royal North Shore Hospital is a tertiary hospital providing trauma services, a wide range of anaesthetic subspecialties, high-risk obstetrics and acute/chronic pain. Surgical subspecialties including abdominal, orthopaedic, vascular and breast surgery provide exposure to neuraxial, truncal and peripheral blocks, while integration with the trauma and acute pain services provide further opportunities (e.g. Chest Injury Pathway catheter service, post-operative pain management, etc).