A local safety standard for invasive procedures for out-patient endonasal procedures performed under local anaesthetic: a template from Newcastle upon Tyne hospitals.

BACKGROUND: In November 2017, a working feasibility analysis commenced of a local anaesthetic endonasal procedures out-patient clinic service at Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne. Fundamental to introducing an innovative ambulatory out-patient practice is the development of a novel local safety standard for invasive procedures to support this service.

OBJECTIVE: This paper presents the new safety standard developed for this purpose and implemented in our institution.

CONCLUSION: Increasingly, there is a shift toward ambulatory services, directed by patient choice, technological advances and the opportunity for cost savings. It is hoped that this local safety standard for invasive procedures will provide a useful template for those considering implementing ambulatory endonasal services, or other novel procedures, within the specialty of ENT.