History
SASWR was formed in 1947 (with a membership of 48) in response to a suggestion from the Ministry of Health that regional societies might help to spread knowledge and promote friendship among members.
The objectives of the Society were to promote the development of knowledge and the art of Anaesthesia in the South Western region by means of lectures, discussion, practical demonstrations and films and in doing so to encourage co-operation and friendships between the anaesthetists of the region.
60 years on – and now with nearly 550 members – SASWR continues to fulfil those initial objectives and its meetings remain a much awaited event on the calendar of every anaesthetic department.
The officers of the society (who coordinate all its activities) are elected for three yearly terms with the exception of the president, who serves for one year.
Presidents over the last ten years have been well known anaesthetic figures:
Dr Stephen Mather – 2010 Dr Tricia McAteer – 2009 Sir Peter Simpson – 2008 Dr John Carter- 2007Dr Neville Goodman – 2006
Dr Martin Coates – 2005
Dr Les Shutt – 2004
Dr Jenny Eaton – 2003
Dr Robert Johnson – 2002
Dr Robin Weller – 2001
Dr Roger Eltringham – 2000
Dr Brian Perriss – 1999
Dr Peter Baskett – 1998