Drug demand-supply – patient FAQs

2 April 2020

I have heard that there is a high demand on drugs due to COVID-19. How will this affect patients?

The on-going global COVID-19 pandemic will mean that as the number of patients who require critical care increases, so will the demand for drugs used in both anaesthesia and critical care. 

This increased demand has been anticipated and the Royal College of Anaesthetists, the Association of Anaesthetists, the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine and the Intensive Care Society, working closely with NHS England, have ensured that appropriate mitigating plans are being put in place.

It is important to understand that there are alternative drugs available if those normally used by anaesthetists and intensivists for a specific procedure are in short supply. We expect to be able to get an appropriate drug to the patient at the right time, therefore ensuring that all patients will receive effective drugs when needed. 

We have been working with doctors across anaesthesia and intensive care to share information, minimise drug waste, develop strategies to keep stock levels up and agree best alternative drug choices for different medical circumstances.

Together we are working hard to ensure we are able to provide safe anaesthesia and effective and compassionate intensive care. The safe care of our patients will always be our main priority.

Will this affect my care if I am sick with COVID-19 and need intensive care?

Intensivists routinely use a wide range of drugs to care for someone who’s critically ill with COVID-19. This includes sedation, pain relief, muscle relaxation and drugs that support the heart and blood pressure. For each of these, there are alternatives that can safely be used. 

Will this high demand affect my care if I need an emergency operation?

Anaesthetists use a wide range of drugs during surgery. If one or some of the drugs that an anaesthetist would normally choose to use are not available, they will have a number of alternative drugs or techniques to safely anaesthetise you and provide adequate pain relief and sedation.

Will I still be able to have an epidural during labour?

You will still be able to have an epidural for pain relief during labour. If one of the drugs normally used in the epidural is not available, there are effective alternatives that will enable you to have a safe and effective epidural.

What if I need a caesarean section?

You would normally be awake with either a spinal anaesthetic or an epidural for a caesarean section, but occasionally women need a general anaesthetic where you go to sleep. In all cases if one of the drugs that an anaesthetist would normally use is not available, an alternative will be used instead. We will still work to provide safe, effective anaesthesia for your caesarean section.

If you would like more information about anaesthetists, anaesthesia and preparing for an operation, visit the Royal College of Anaesthetists' website here.