Peer Review

The system of voluntary interdepartmental Peer Review between major UK children’s hospitals first started in 1999, and was later extended to include paediatric anaesthesia departments in university and district general hospitals. With the development of Anaesthesia Clinical Services Accreditation (ACSA) by the Royal College of Anaesthetists, the APA Peer Review system has been revised to work alongside ACSA and provide a supportive departmental review process. The two systems complement each other, and information from a Peer Review is recognised by ACSA if a full ACSA review is undertaken within 4 years of the Peer Review.

APA Peer Review is a voluntary process with the aim of raising standards in paediatric anaesthetic practice. The process aims to be supportive and should allow for experiences to be shared, with the dissemination of good and innovative practice.

If you are interested in a Peer Review for your department, have any questions or are interested in becoming a reviewer for the APA, please contact Dr Janet Stansfield at Janet.Stansfield@nhs.net