Welcome to the Department of Anaesthesiology

The Department of Anaesthesiology at the University of the Free State (UFS) is a leading academic and clinical department dedicated to excellence in patient care, undergraduate and postgraduate education, research and professional development. Rooted in a proud tradition of clinical excellence and mentorship, we advance safe, evidence-based perioperative care across the Free State, Northern Cape and Central South Africa. Our specialists play a vital role in administering anaesthesia, managing post-operative care, relieving acute pain, managing chronic pain, supporting critical care, and improving surgical outcomes.

Our Divisions

General Anaesthesiology
We provide comprehensive anaesthesia services and training across a broad spectrum of surgical specialties and subspecialties.

Pain Control Unit
As the oldest and most comprehensive unit of its kind in South Africa, we provide full-time training and services in both acute and chronic pain management.

Pre-operative Anaesthetic Clinic
We evaluate and prepare patients with complex medical conditions to ensure safe anaesthesia and improved surgical outcomes.

Education and Training

Undergraduate teaching offers structured modules to medical students, creating a  strong foundation in anaesthetic principles, airway management, physiology, pharmacology, patient safety and perioperative medicine. Practical skills sessions, in-theatre teaching and simulation form part of the curriculum.

Postgraduate training prepares specialist anaesthesiologists through structured rotations through subspecialties, weekly teaching programmes, journal clubs, morbidity and mortality meetings, and simulation-based training.

Continuous professional development (CPD) entails regular in-service training, lectures and workshops.

Postgraduate course in Sedation and Pain Management for Medical and Dental Procedures, is an annual course presented by the Department.

Research and Academic Excellence

Research forms an integral part of the Department's academic identity. The Department regularly hosts professional congresses, workshops and continuing education activities that bring together leaders in healthcare, academia and clinical practice.

Our staff and postgraduate students contribute to advancing perioperative medicine, patient safety, pain management and anaesthesia practice through innovative research published in national and international journals.

The Department has established a strong reputation for academic excellence, receiving national and international recognition for research achievements and scholarly contributions. Staff and postgraduate students have received numerous awards for original research and scientific publication, while academic staff regularly present at scientific meetings, contribute to professional societies and advisory bodies, and provide leadership within the anaesthesiology community.

Clinical Services

The Department provides comprehensive anaesthesia and perioperative care across a diverse range of surgical disciplines, including general surgery, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic procedures, obstetrics, paediatrics, ENT, vascular surgery, trauma and emergency anaesthesia.

Our services include:

• Elective and emergency theatre coverage
• Regional anaesthesia service
• Perioperative anaesthetic clinics
• Critical care collaboration
• Pain management service

Our Clinical Training Sites

In addition to the unique training opportunities provided by our Pain Control Unit and Preoperative Anaesthesia Evaluation Clinic, clinical anaesthesia services are delivered across several key hospitals in the Free State and Northern Cape:

• Universitas Academic Complex
• National District Hospital
• Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital
• Free State Psychiatric Complex
• Kimberley Hospital (Satellite department)
• III Military Hospital

Collectively, these platforms provide outstanding opportunities for clinical training, research and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Outreach and Service Development

The Department is committed to strengthening anaesthesia services throughout the region through outreach, training and collaboration. Our activities include skills development initiatives for district hospital healthcare professionals, support for safe anaesthesia practices, airway management and resuscitation training, and participation in healthcare planning and service development initiatives.

Satellite departments and contact numbers:

General Anaesthesiology: +27 51 405 3307

Pain Control Unit:              +27 51 405 3613

Anaesthesia Clinic:           +27 51 405 3777

III Military Hospital:            +27 51 402 1841

Kimberley Hospital:            +27 53 802 9111 x 2140

Build Your Future in Anaesthesiology

The Department of Anaesthesiology offers a dynamic academic environment where clinical excellence, research, innovation and professional development converge. Registrar training positions are advertised twice annually, with appointments typically made in April and October.

We welcome applications from aspiring specialists committed to excellence in patient care, lifelong learning and professional leadership. For further information regarding admission requirements or available opportunities, please contact the Department of Anaesthesiology