The Independent Health Care Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005

Surgical procedures

37.—(1) Where medical treatment (including cosmetic surgery) is provided under anaesthesia or sedation in an independent hospital, the registered person shall ensure that –

(a) each operating theatre is designed, equipped and maintained to an appropriate standard for the purposes for which it is to be used;

(b) all surgery is carried out by, or under the direction of, a suitable qualified, skilled and experienced medical practitioner;

(c) an appropriate number of suitably qualified, skilled and experienced employees are in attendance during each surgical procedure; and

(d) the patient receives appropriate treatment –

(i) before administration of an anaesthetic or sedation;

(ii) whilst undergoing a surgical procedure;

(iii) during recovery from general anaesthesia; and

(iv) post-operatively.

(2) The registered person shall ensure that before a patient consents to any surgery offered by the independent hospital, he has received clear and comprehensive information about the procedure and any risks associated with it.

(3) In the case of a patient who is not competent to consent to surgery, the information mentioned in paragraph (2) shall, wherever possible, be provided to his representative.