Consultant Anaesthetist

Job Purpose

• The Consultant Anaesthetist will be responsible for providing expert anaesthetic care to patients undergoing surgical and diagnostic procedures within the Cardiovascular & Theatres directorate.
• This role is critical for ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout the surgical process, from pre-operative assessment through to post-operative recovery.
• The role holder will deliver comprehensive anaesthesia services, lead anaesthesia teams during complex cases, and maintain the highest standards of clinical practice. 
• The role holder will demonstrate advanced clinical skills, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to optimizing surgical outcomes and enhancing the patient experience.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities
Pre-operative & Perioperative Care:

• Conduct thorough pre-operative assessments to determine patient suitability for anaesthesia, including airway evaluation and risk stratification.
• Administer general, regional, and sedation techniques based on individual patient needs and surgical requirements, with special focus on cardiovascular procedures.
• Continuously monitor patients' vital signs and anaesthetic depth during surgical procedures, responding promptly to any changes in condition.

Post-operative & Critical Care:

• Provide immediate post-operative care to ensure patients recover safely from anaesthesia, including pain management using multimodal analgesia and regional techniques.
• Manage acute post-operative complications such as respiratory depression, delirium, and bleeding, liaising closely with ICU teams when needed.
• Contribute to enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways and ensure seamless patient transitions to PACU or ICU.

Crisis Management & Patient Safety:

• Respond effectively to any complications or emergencies during procedures, including difficult airway management, anaphylaxis, and malignant hyperthermia.
• Adhere strictly to the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and all hospital patient safety protocols.
• Report all near-misses, adverse events, and equipment malfunctions through the hospital incident reporting system.

Leadership & Line Management:

• Lead a team of junior anaesthetists, resident doctors, and anaesthesia technicians during surgical procedures.
• Conduct performance evaluations for junior team members and ensure adherence to hospital policies.
• Delegate responsibilities effectively and facilitate conflict resolution within the anaesthesia team.

Teaching & Mentorship:

• Provide guidance, supervision, and structured training for junior anaesthetists, resident doctors, and medical students.
• Conduct daily bedside teaching rounds and simulation-based training on anaesthesia emergencies.
• Foster a culture of learning and excellence within the department.

Quality Improvement & Research:

• Participate actively in departmental audits, quality assurance processes, and clinical research projects.
• Contribute to the development and revision of anaesthesia protocols, checklists, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Lead at least one quality improvement project annually and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals where possible.

Documentation & Equipment Management:

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of anaesthetic techniques, patient responses, and complications in the electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• Ensure all anaesthetic equipment is properly maintained, checked, and functioning before use, reporting faults immediately.
• Optimize use of consumables to reduce waste and cost without compromising safety.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Collaborate closely with surgeons, nurses, ICU teams, and other healthcare professionals to develop tailored anaesthetic plans.
• Communicate effectively with patients and families, explaining anaesthetic procedures and addressing concerns with cultural sensitivity.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and engage with hospital administration on departmental needs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Medical Degree (MBBS/MD or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
• Board Certification in Anesthesiology (e.g., Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS) in Anesthesiology, Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (FMCNA), or equivalent international certification).
• Valid and current medical license to practice Anesthesiology in Nigeria (or eligibility to obtain one).
• Minimum of 5 years’ post-fellowship experience in a hospital setting, preferably with exposure to a high-volume cardiovascular surgical unit.
• Substantial experience in general anaesthesia practice, with a focus on cardiovascular procedures.
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced anaesthesia techniques: regional anaesthesia (ultrasound-guided), difficult airway management, and perioperative critical care support.
• Strong knowledge of national and international patient safety standards (e.g., WHO Surgical Safety Checklist).
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex cases.
• Excellent communication skills with cultural sensitivity.
• Postgraduate qualifications in medical education, patient safety, simulation training, or healthcare management is highly desirable.
• Proven track record in quality improvement initiatives and clinical governance.
• Experience in training or mentoring junior medical staff is desirable.

Skills:

• Must have skills: experience in general anaesthesia practice, with a focus on cardiovascular procedures
• Good to have skills: Expertise in advanced anaesthesia techniques: regional anaesthesia (ultrasound-guided), difficult airway management, and perioperative critical care support.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:

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