Anaesthesia Associates (AAs)

Who are anaesthesia associates?

Anaesthesia Associates (AAs) are healthcare professionals who work alongside Consultant Anaesthetists to provide anaesthesia care to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. The role of an anaesthesia associate in the NHS is a relatively new one, having been introduced in 2014.

The role of anaesthesia associates.

AAs provide anaesthetic and perioperative care to patients which involve a range of tasks, including patient assessment, airway management, and drug administration. They work under the supervision of Consultant Anaesthetists in either a 2:1 or a 1:1 model. They are also responsible for ensuring that all equipment and medications used during anaesthesia procedures are safe and appropriate.

As an AA you will typically work in operating theatres but may also work in other departments such as Intensive Care Units or Emergency Care. You will also work as part of a team with other healthcare professionals, including surgeons, nurses, and other anaesthetists, to ensure that patients receive high-quality care.

Regulation of the AA role

Since December 2024 AAs are regulated by the General Medical Council (GMC) and can now apply to join the register. For AAs currently practising, they will need to join the register by December 2026. For more information, please see the link to the GMC website: GMC regulation of physician associates and anaesthesia associates to begin - GMC

Leng Review

The UK government has established an independent review of the physician associates and anaesthesia associates (AAs) professions in England. The review is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2025 and will inform government policy. This will also have an impact on PAs and AAs in Wales.

For more information, please see the link to the GOV.UK website: Leng review: further detail on the areas to be covered by the review of physician associate and anaesthesia associate professions - GOV.UK.

How to become an AA

To become an anaesthesia associate in the NHS, you need an undergraduate degree in a health or science subject such as biomedicine, and relevant clinical experience working within the NHS. This clinical experience can come from a variety of roles, including nursing, operating department practice, physiotherapy, radiography, and other allied health professions. Additionally, you'll need to complete a 24–27-month postgraduate degree in anaesthesia associate practice. After completing the program, you will need to pass the national certification exam to become a certified anaesthesia associate.