Pre‐registration house officers in anaesthesia

I read with interest the correspondence concerning preregistration house officer (PRHO) training in resuscitation, fluid balance and analgesia (Meek. Anaesthesia 2000; 55: 1128). I have just completed my first 4 months as a PRHO in Perioperative Care in Cheltenham. This new 1-year post is one of four in the South-West and was first introduced in Truro 3 years ago. I became interested in the job after completing a 4-week attachment dedicated to anaesthetics and peri-operative care during my undergraduate training in Bristol. I also completed a compulsory 1-day certified ALS course before taking finals. My job comprises sessions dedicated to anaesthetics, ITU/HDU and both acute and chronic pain. I have gained knowledge in the management of fluids, analgesia and postoperative complications and the recognition of the ‘sick’ patient. Practical skills learnt include intubation, arterial and central venous line insertion, spinal and intrathecal blocks, and the management of PCA and epidurals. I completed the ALS Provider course, and attend all cardiac arrest and trauma calls. I would thoroughly recommend such a job to any final-year medical student or anaesthetic department. It has given me invaluable experience and confidence to deal with the problems highlighted in the letter. I hope this provides a more optimistic view of the training and education given to new doctors both in the undergraduate and PRHO setting.