Departmental Profile

Notwithstanding the heavy clinical burden on this department due to continued financial pressure on provincial budgets we have been able to maintain our academic and research activities and output. The continued success of this department in producing quality publications has again resulted in the department being approached to partake in well-funded commercial studies. The department has continued to develop its strengths in a number of areas, and is sustaining the development of its international reputation for expertise and research excellence in these fields. Professor James and Professor Bösenberg have presented lectures at several overseas congresses during the year under review. We have recently had Ethics Committee approval for yet another two studies that will commence in the new year; viz. ultrasonographic guidance for placement of epidural and peripheral nerve blocks in children, and observational study of Groote Schuur hospital trauma patients. During January-February 2003 we were fortunate to host Professor Brett Gutsche, Emeritus Professor of Anaesthesiology from the University of Pennsylvania. His input to the department in the field of obstetric anaesthesia and analgesia was invaluable.

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