National Anaesthesia Day spotlights the specialty
A national campaign that recognises the vital role of anaesthetists in modern medicine is aimed at helping the community better understand the doctors who keep patients safe before, during and after surgery.
On Thursday 16 October dozens of hospitals in Australia and New Zealand will celebrate the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) 2025 National Anaesthesia Day.
This year’s #insafehands campaign features posters of 14 individual anaesthetists from across Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the breadth of skills behind the specialty.
The posters, which hospitals in Australia and New Zealand are encouraged to display, are designed to help the community better understand the doctors who keep patients safe before, during and after surgery.
ANZCA President Professor Dave Story says the day is an important opportunity to celebrate a specialty often described as “invisible” but central to patient care.
“Anaesthetists are with patients at their most vulnerable moments − whether that’s undergoing surgery, having a baby, or managing severe pain. National Anaesthesia Day reminds us that anaesthesia is about keeping patients safe, comfortable, and cared for throughout their medical journey.”
In Australia and New Zealand, more than 7000 specialist anaesthetists and 2000 trainees provide high-quality care across operating theatres, intensive care units, pain services, obstetrics, emergency departments and rural hospitals.
Launched in 2001, National Anaesthesia Day is held every year on 16 October to coincide with the anniversary of the world’s first successful public demonstration of ether anaesthesia in Boston in 1846 – an innovation that transformed surgery and patient outcomes.
Professor Story says this year’s #insafehands theme is designed to make the specialty more visible to the public.
“By featuring the faces of our councillors – who represent anaesthetists across Australia and New Zealand – we are putting a spotlight on the people who dedicate their careers to patient safety, education, and research. We hope these posters spark conversations about the specialty and encourage people to learn more about anaesthesia.”
