Robert Wood

The Health of Staff in Hospitals

Dr Ward has written a book which most anaesthetists have wanted for a long time. It deals with anaesthetic equipment in current use in Great Britain, and while that may make it seem rather parochial it is one of the few books available which describe anaesthetic apparatus in this country in particular. There are some 280 pages containing over 300 illustrations and diagrams. The text is not confined to anaesthetic equipment but also covers the associated fields of monitoring, resuscitation, respirator therapy, and sterilisation. A chapter on the design and layout of anaesthetic rooms is succinct and describes the various relevant regulations. In the appendix there are several conversion scales from conventional nomenclature to the SI standard. These scales are clear and readily interpreted; they will provide the reader with a welcome aid until these units are commonplace. Dr Wards book will be long appreciated in every situation where anaesthetic apparatus is regularly used and maintained.