FLINDERS MEDICAL CENTRE



POLICY



CAESAREAN SECTION



Endorsed by the Operating Theatre Service Management Committee	



Date:	Signed:



Review Date:



Implementation Date:

________________________________________________________



POLICY STATEMENT



One support person only should be admitted to the theatre, unless extraordinary circumstances 

exist and special permission is obtained after consultation with all senior staff present e.g.: 

Anaesthetists, Surgeons, Nurse in charge of theatre. The support person will sit at the head of 

the operating table.

The support person may be admitted to the anaesthetic room during epidural anaesthesia with 

the permission of the anaesthetist.

The support person will at all times be under the direction of the operating theatre staff and 

will leave the theatre, or anaesthetic room, with an escort, when requested to do so.

With the permission of the Neonatal Unit staff the support person may take still photographs 

directly of the baby on the neonatal unit trolley

Only staff members may take a photograph of the baby on the sterile field, with the surgeon’s 

permission.

Video cameras are not permitted in the theatre suite.



Rationale



To provide appropriate, safe support for the awake patient undergoing caesarean section.

To ensure the sterile field is not contaminated by the support person.

To ensure staff are able to provide optimal care for the patient at all times.





REVISED FEBRUARY 1998