Review of anaesthesia-related mortality reporting 2009

Press release 31 July 2009

A review of Anaesthesia-related mortality

The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists report Safety of Anaesthesia: a review of anaesthesia-related mortality in Australia and New Zealand 2003-2005 released today, 31 July 2009, shows an overall trend in reduced anaesthesia mortality across all categories since last reported on.

“This is clearly good news for clinicians and patients alike. We know a systems wide approach to patient safety is crucial to reducing mortality in the hospital environment, and I am pleased to say anaesthetists have been at the forefront of many initiatives in this area. The very low rate of anaesthesia mortality should not be read as a sign to ‘rest on our laurels’. The information collected and analysed is vital to maintaining the high standards of specialist practice we have become accustomed to and expect in both New Zealand and Australia. For this reason it is vital we have all Australian states and New Zealand contribute data on anaesthesia mortality to obtain as accurate and comprehensive picture as possible,” stated Dr Warmington, President New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists.

Dr Warmington added, “It is positive to see a growing willingness overall to participate in future reports and clinicians and management need to work collectively to facilitate this. The College should be congratulated for continuing to report on this key health care indicator since 1985.”