MCG Celebrates National Nurse Anesthetists Week

Augusta, Ga. -- On March 30, 1842, Dr. Crawford W. Long of Jefferson, Ga., made his mark on history when he became the first physician ever to use ether as a means of anesthetizing a patient during surgery.

Since then, major advances have occurred in anesthesiology. And as the demand for these services increases, surgical patients can rest assured that anesthesia has never been safer, said Lisa Stephens, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

Stephens will join with other CRNAs around the country to celebrate a history of exceptional patient care and anesthesia safety as MCG Health System recognizes National Nurse Anesthetists Week, January 19-25, 2003.

"Nurse anesthetists have been providing high-quality anesthesia care for more than 100 years," said Stephens. "Patient safety is, and always has been, the number one priority for nurse anesthetists. We minister to the patient's physical and emotional needs, offer reassurance and comfort, and stay right by a patient's side throughout the surgery. These are hallmarks of a CRNA."

Studies have shown a dramatic reduction in anesthesia mortality rates since the early 1980s, thanks to improved technology and pharmaceuticals, and increased education for nurse anesthetists and physician anesthesiologists. Anesthesia safety is at an all-time high.

With more than 26 million anesthetics given in the United States every year, CRNAs administer approximately 65 percent of them. At MCG, 12 CRNAs assist the 22 anesthesiologists on staff. "I can only envision that the quality of anesthesia care will continue to improve in the next century," said Stephens. "And CRNAs will be at the forefront of ensuring patient comfort and safety."

MCG Health System is composed of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.