Welcome.
The Scottish Society of Anaesthetists was formed at a dinner at the Balmoral hotel in Edinburgh on the 20th of February 1914. It is therefore the oldest national anaesthetic society in the world. It exists, to quote the constitution, “to further the study of the science and practice of Anaesthetics and the proper teaching thereof and to conserve and advance the interests of Anaesthetics”
The Office Bearers
Our council members ensure we have local representation from around the country. The executive holds their positions for a single four year term. Our trainee reps are voted on at the annual spring meeting and serve a two year term.
Past President
Dr Eddie Wilson
Vice-President
Dr Andrea Harvey
President
Dr Gordon Byers
Executive
The Executive are responsible for the running of the society, the spring meeting, producing the Annals and running the council meetings.
Editor of Annals
Dr Matthew Freer
Hon. Treasurer
Dr Calum Grant
Hon. Secretary
Dr Ewan Jack
Council
The council provide representation from around the country.
We ensure there is a council member from each of the the following regions;
Highland, Grampian, East (Tayside), South East (x2), Central (Forth Valley) & of course West (x2)
There are also two co-opted members - the chair of the AAGBI SSC and RCoA Scottish Board
- 2018 West Katie Lake (Glasgow Royal Infirmary)
- 2018 South East Karen Stevenson (Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh)
- 2016 South East Alasdair Waite (Edinburgh Royal Infirmary)
- 2016 West Jenny Edwards (RAH, Paisley)
- 2017 Central Fiona McIlveney (Forth Valley)
- 2014 Grampian Paul Bourke (Aberdeen)
- 2014 North Dan Baraclough (Raigmore)
- 2014 Tayside Paul Fettes (Dundee)
Trainee Reps
There are currently four trainee reps: Drs Graeme Carroll, Jacqueline Harkins, Nicola Hogan & Jonathan Hetherington
- 2018 Jacqueline Harkins
- 2018 Graeme Carroll
The AAGBI and RCOA are also represented on the Council by the following as co-opted members:
David Ray
Chair of the AAGBI Scottish Standing Committee
John Colvin
Chair of the RCOA Scottish Board
Membership
It is now possible to join the Scottish Society of Anaesthetists online. Simply click on the link below, fill out the form and submit your application. You will then need to follow the steps with our payment partner, GoCardless to set up a direct debit payment in order to complete your membership application.
The annual membership fee is £20.00 which is taken on the anniversary of your membership.
Upcoming Events
We host two major meetings per year. In the Spring we have our annual meeting (including handover of exec and AGM). This is a two day meeting where the trainees organise the second day and scientific abstracts are presented, judged and prizes awarded. We hold this in a central location at a hotel to encourage social interaction over a semi formal dinner on the Thursday evening.
In the autumn we now have an alternating joint meeting with the RCoA then AAGBI. This meeting rotates around the country to allow easy access for as many members as possible.
Travel and Research Grants
As a Society we are proud of the support we have given to both charitable and research activities over our 100 year history. With the launch of our new website we plan to show both retrospective and prospective projects that we have funded.
Travel Grants
The Society is keen to encourage both trainees and career grade staff to travel for the purposes of working in or teaching in developing or disadvantaged countries.
Grants will not normally exceed £1000.
Travel grants may also be awarded to those wishing to visit another centre to learn a new technique or acquire experience in a particular specialty.
Research Grants
The Society is also willing to consider applications from members for similar sums to support research.
Previous Funding Stories
Coming soon! The Society has funded a number of successful grants over the year. In the coming months we will start sharing some of these stories on our website.
Implementation of the World Health Organisation Surgical Safety Checklist in the Republic of Benin
… Read more
Latest News
14.04.19
Spring Meeting Sli.Do
This year brings a new level of interaction to the Spring Meeting with a use of Sli.Do software to facilitate questions and polls throughout the meeting. More details will follow at the meeting, but you can get ahead and download […]
28.03.19
Death of Henry Fairlie
It is with regret that we announce the death of past president Dr Henry Fairlie. Henry was the president in 1974 becoming (as far as we can gather) the first on only son of a previous president. His father, H.P […]
Resources
Our future aim as a society is to become a central hub for all Scottish Anaesthetists to visit to find out about local and national meetings, courses and links to useful resources. We will continue to update and evolve to meet the demands of future online learning.
Our annual spring meeting gives trainees the opportunity to submit abstracts for both poster and oral presentations. For all future entrees we plan to develop an online publication for all winners and runners up. We have an easy online submission form and topics can include research, audit or case presentations.
Recent Abstracts
Preoperative anaemia adversely impacts overall survival following resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Preoperative anaemia is commonly present in resectable PDAC and negatively influences overall survival independent not only of established pathological factors but also of perioperative blood transfusion. These data have implications for the optimization of patients in the perioperative period in addition to longer-term risk stratification.
DownloadBasic Life Support training during medical school
Despite receiving Basic Life Support training during medical school, FY1 doctors reported low confidence in airway management. Simple airway techniques, if performed correctly, can be life saving in the emergency situation. We planned to provide training in basic airway management to FY1s to improve their competence and confidence.
DownloadThe effect of peripheral access devices on intravenous infusion rate
All devices restrict flow to varying degrees. Using an access hub effectively halves maximum flow rate. Devices with integral hubs and combining devices are even worse. The “Coventry” connector appears performs the best.
DownloadWe will regularly update the site to show both local and national courses which we feel are of most value. The online calendar will show both meetings and courses with direct links to their pages.