Torbay anaesthetic team recognised among UK’s best for third time

Published: 21 October 2026

Torbay Hospital’s anaesthetic team has become one of only eight in the UK to achieve a prestigious national accreditation three times.

The team has been reaccredited under the Royal College of Anaesthetists’ Anaesthesia Clinical Services Accreditation scheme, which assesses services against national standards for patient experience, patient safety and clinical leadership.

Anaesthetists care for people before, during and after planned and emergency surgery. They also work across maternity services, intensive care and pain management, supporting people at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

The reaccreditation followed an independent peer review of the service. Dr Claire Shannon, President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, said the review team had highlighted “the strong culture of teamwork, communication and patient-centred care across the department”.

Lead clinical reviewer Dr David Whitelock said: “We saw a department with an ‘open door’ to communication where staff felt listened to and where there was a very strong commitment to delivering the best patient care possible.”

Reviewers saw how this culture translates into practical support for patients. Lay reviewer Jenny Dorey highlighted the ‘Home Alone’ service, telephone calls to every patient following surgery and adaptations for people with additional needs. She added: “I would feel very safe and well looked after as a patient in your hospital.”

Dr Will Key, Clinical Service Lead for Anaesthesia, said: “Most people will only meet their anaesthetist for a short time, but we have an important role in keeping them safe and supporting them before, during and after their operation.

“Behind this achievement are colleagues who bring skill, professionalism and compassion to their work every day. It reflects the contribution of anaesthetists, operating department practitioners, nurses, recovery staff and many others working together across the hospital.

“I feel privileged to work alongside them and incredibly proud of what the whole team has achieved.”

Kate Lissett, Chief Medical Officer, said: “This recognition is important because it comes from experienced peers who have looked closely at the service and the care our patients receive.

“Anaesthetists play a crucial role across many hospital services, often caring for people at some of the most important moments in their treatment. Being one of only eight departments in the UK to achieve accreditation three times reflects the expertise, professionalism and commitment of colleagues across the service and the wider teams they work alongside.

“People place enormous trust in us when they come into hospital, and this recognition offers added reassurance that they are in safe and highly skilled hands.”