Patient recovery and the post-anaesthesia care unit

Patient recovery is a period of active patient monitoring and management during which time airway reflexes return and respiratory and cardiovascular stability should be achieved. The post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) is the specially designed clinical area in which staff trained in the recognition and management of potential complications arising during this time care for patients. National guidance on the responsibilities and training of staff, the monitoring required during the recovery period and criteria for discharge serves to ensure patient safety and efficient theatre throughput.