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The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists approves specialist training positions and requires specified periods of training in anaesthesia and intensive care. A common Primary examination in basic sciences is used by both specialties. The Final examinations are different in content although structurally similar with both written and oral sections. The College Assessor reviews training prior to granting approval to present for the Final examination. The syllabus for the Final examination is based on two College documents entitled Objectives of Training, one for anaesthesia and one for intensive care. Other requirements and anticipated future changes to the present training, examination and recertification systems include examination review, in-training assessment, a formal project, a new pain management qualification and a maintenance of standards (recertification) programme.

During commissioning of the medical gas system of a new hospital, fourteen connection defects were found; six of these were potentially lethal cross-connections. A major contaminant was also detected throughout the medical gas system. The methods of testing a new medical gas system described in this report highlight the need for up-grading of existing standards.