About Anaesthetics
Mercy Hospital is a not-for-profit surgical hospital committed to delivering 'exceptional care that makes a difference' to Otago and Southland residents. Anaesthetic services are provided by independent specialists who cover all anaesthetic sub-specialties. Their services include - preoperative assessment, administering and monitoring the anaesthetic for surgery, and post-operative care in recovery and beyond. The following specialists provide rostered cover 24 hours a day, seven days a week for patients under their care at Mercy Hospital.
Consultants
Procedures / Treatments
General Anaesthesia
You are put into a state of unconsciousness either by the injection of an anaesthetic medication into a vein or by breathing in a mixture of gases. You will be unaware of what is happening around you and you will feel no pain from the surgery. You will be constantly monitored and the anaesthetic adjusted as necessary throughout the operation.
Regional Anaesthesia
An anaesthetic is injected near the nerve pathways to the site of your surgery, so that area becomes numb. You will be awake but will not feel pain from the surgery. You may also receive a medication to make you feel relaxed and sleepy.
Local Anaesthesia
An anaesthetic is injected at the site of the surgery to cause numbness in the area. You will be awake but will not feel pain from the surgery.
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