A Discharge Protocol for the Postanaesthetic Recovery Unit

Abstract

Despite guidelines from the Royal College of Anaesthetists, some hospitals still do not have a formal discharge policy. The author of this article works within an operating department in the dual role of anaesthetic and recovery sister and has a particular interest in discharge criteria for postanaesthetic recovery patients. She suggests that a discharge protocol, developed in a multidisciplinary setting, should be in place in the postanaesthetic recovery unit.