Procedure and anaesthetic related deaths

Question 1

Law around procedure related deaths

Answer 1

Section 48 of Health Professions Amendment Act (Act. no 29 of 2007)

Question 2

Which deaths count as procedural?

Answer 2

• during a procedure
• under the influence of anaesthesia
• a procedure or anaesthetic believed to be contributory

Question 3

Types of deaths which occur during the administration of an anaesthetic, but are not due to anaesthetic

Answer 3

• due to injury or disease which necessitated
• due to other than those for which the operation was undertaken (diagnosed before)
• due to other than those for which the operation was undertaken (diagnosed after)
• surgical deaths

Question 4

Types of deaths which are a direct result of the administration of an anaesthetic

Answer 4

• general
• due to resp failure
• due to coardiovascular failure
• miscellaneous

Question 5

Things that the magistrate will look at in procedure-related death

Answer 5

• was informed consent taken
• was the operation/anaesthetic necessary
• was the patient properly examined
• was the patient suitably prepared
• was the anaesthetic suitable
• was the op/anaesthetic performed with reasonable skill and care
• were arrangements made before the op to deal with an emergency
• were suitable steps taken to resus
• were suitable arrangements made to ensure safe recovery