Division of Obstetric Anaesthesia

University of Cape Town

Welcome to the Division of Obstetric Anaesthesia at the University of Cape Town, a specialised unit within the Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine. Our division provides expert anaesthetic care to pregnant women undergoing labour, delivery, and obstetric surgeries. We also offer advanced training and research opportunities in obstetric anaesthesia.

University of Cape Town Obstetric Anaesthesia Fellowship

We offer supernumerary fellowships in obstetric anaesthesia with flexible durations ranging from 6 months to 1 year. Due to the constraints of the healthcare system in South Africa, these positions are voluntary and do not attract a salary. Despite being a new programme, it builds on the highly successful paediatric anaesthesia fellowship at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.

Fellowship Objectives and Structure

The primary goal of the fellowship is to provide advanced training in obstetric anaesthesia. The programme is designed for anaesthesia trainees nearing the end of their speciality training or consultants seeking to broaden their obstetric anaesthesia skills.

  • Initial Supervision: During the first few weeks, fellows will undergo a high level of direct supervision.

  • Progression: After a satisfactory probation period, fellows will perform on-calls at a registrar level and gradually take on the role of lead clinician for elective lists and emergency work under appropriate consultant supervision.

  • Opportunities for Junior Consultant Calls: Depending on experience, some fellows may progress to junior consultant calls.

Educational Opportunities

The fellowship offers numerous educational opportunities, including:

  • Weekly UCT Department of Anaesthesia academic meetings

  • Monthly M&M meetings

  • Access to the Department’s active teaching program

  • Research/Audit Project: Fellows are encouraged to complete a small research or audit project during their fellowship.

Fellows are expected to present at the UCT Friday Academic Meeting at least once during their fellowship, contributing to the academic environment and honing presentation skills.

Assessment is continuous, with formal feedback and appraisals occurring every three months.

Registration Requirements

Candidates must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) before beginning the fellowship, which typically takes approximately 9 months.

Obstetric Anaesthesia Experience at UCT

The obstetric anaesthesia fellowship provides exposure to a range of services across Groote Schuur Hospital Maternity Centre, Mowbray Maternity Hospital, and New Somerset Hospital—each offering a distinct set of challenges and learning opportunities.

Groote Schuur Hospital Maternity Centre

This tertiary care facility handles complex obstetric and fetal/neonatal cases and serves as a key training site for anaesthesia registrars. Key features include:

  • High-Risk Cases: Including eclampsia, preeclampsia, cardiac issues, obesity, placental disorders, and diabetes.

  • High-Volume Caesareans: Approximately 100 caesarean deliveries monthly, with dedicated consultant anaesthetist coverage.

  • Specialist Clinics: A high-risk antenatal clinic runs every Monday, providing exposure to a diverse set of conditions.

Dr. Marcelle Crowther leads the team at Groote Schuur, ensuring a robust learning environment for fellows.

Mowbray Maternity Hospital

Serving as a regional hospital for secondary-level obstetric care, Mowbray is one of the busiest maternity units in Cape Town. The hospital features:

  • Epidural Service: A dedicated epidural service staffed by UCT registrars.

  • Training Focus: Emphasis on safe obstetric anaesthesia practices, particularly epidural techniques and neuraxial ultrasound.

  • Postpartum Haemorrhage: Fellows gain hands-on experience in managing postpartum haemorrhage.

Dr. Claire Pfister is the lead clinician at Mowbray, working closely with Dr. Crowther to provide exceptional training.

New Somerset Hospital

New Somerset Hospital handles secondary-level obstetric care and performs approximately 200 caesarean deliveries monthly. The unit includes:

  • On-Call Coverage: Medical officers and registrars, with consultant support available during the day.

  • Similar Challenges: Like Mowbray, New Somerset faces staffing limitations, providing a valuable learning experience in resource-constrained settings.

Research Initiatives

The obstetric anaesthesia experience at UCT is further enriched by a strong research focus aimed at improving maternal care. Research initiatives include:

  • Pain Out: An international collaboration focused on post-caesarean pain management strategies.

  • C-FAST: A quality improvement project to optimize fasting times for patients awaiting caesarean deliveries.

  • Eclampsia & Pre-eclampsia Studies: Ongoing studies addressing the management of eclampsia and pre-eclampsia in obstetric anaesthesia.

  • Postpartum Haemorrhage: Research into strategies to manage and reduce postpartum haemorrhage.

Prominent researchers such as Associate Professor Dominique Van Dyk, Emeritus Professor RA Dyer, and Professor Bruce Biccard are involved in these projects, enhancing the academic environment and ensuring clinical relevance.

Why Choose UCT for Obstetric Anaesthesia Fellowship?

  • Comprehensive Training: Gain exposure to a wide range of obstetric anaesthesia cases and complexities across three different hospitals.

  • Academic Excellence: Participate in a dynamic academic environment with weekly meetings, research opportunities, and hands-on learning.

  • Expert Supervision: Work alongside renowned experts in the field, gaining experience and mentorship from experienced consultants and researchers.

For more information or to apply for the fellowship, please contact: