Our experience has shown there is a need that can be met simply with minimal investment of time and funding but that addresses a gap in patient support that otherwise goes unmet. Although this was a service development in one local area, it could be adapted to ICU patients and relatives more widely.

Clinical indicators and complications occurring in the recovery room or post anaesthetic care unit were recorded for patients who had an anaesthetic procedure during 1995, 1996 and 1997 (n = 13 266). Clinical indicators measured were those developed by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards in conjunction with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, and three other indicators. All patients were assessed and positive data were collected by nursing staff on a standardised form which was checked and collated by the anaesthetist responsible for the recovery room (the author). The rates for some indicators were higher than the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards 1997 rates, but the overall rates of complications were comparable with, or lower than, those in published series. Clinical indicator data are seen as a valuable quantitative tool for quality assurance, particularly if collected as part of a more comprehensive programme.