Dr. Claire Ainsley Fast – Anesthesiologist | North Vancouver, BC

As a skilled Anesthesiologist, Dr. Claire Ainsley Fast plays a crucial role in patient safety and comfort during the perioperative period. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in North Vancouver, BC, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, ensuring high standards of care and adherence to the guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Her focus encompasses a broad range of anesthetic practices, with a commitment to optimizing patient outcomes in various surgical settings.

Dr. Fast graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of British Columbia in 2010 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Anesthesiology. Her certification process involved rigorous residency programs and assessments to ensure her expertise aligns with provincial and national standards for anesthesia practice. She maintains her credentials through continuous professional development and adherence to CPSBC standards.

With a professional and clinical approach, Dr. Fast is dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of patient safety in North Vancouver. She communicates fluently in English and is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each patient's needs. Her philosophy emphasizes thorough assessment, clear communication, and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring patients feel secure and well-informed throughout their perioperative experience.

• Airway Management Expertise: Skilled management of the patient's airway, including intubation (placing a breathing tube) when necessary, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
• Anesthesia for Outpatient/Ambulatory Surgery: Providing safe and effective anesthesia tailored for procedures where patients are expected to go home the same day.
• Fluid and Blood Product Management: Administering intravenous fluids and blood products as needed during procedures to maintain hemodynamic stability.
• Procedural Sedation (Outside OR): Administering sedation and monitoring for procedures performed outside the main operating rooms, such as in endoscopy suites or radiology.
• Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) / Sedation: Providing varying levels of sedation (light to deep) and analgesia, combined with close monitoring of vital signs, for procedures not requiring general anesthesia.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Fast (or an associate) in consultation with you and your surgeon/proceduralist based on your health and the requirements of the procedure. Subspecialty services like chronic pain management may require a separate referral pathway.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

Dr. Fast primarily practices at medical facilities located in central North Vancouver, near prominent points of interest such as the North Vancouver District Hospital and the Lions Gate Hospital. These facilities are easily accessible via local public transit, including bus routes and SkyTrain connections. The clinics are situated in modern, well-equipped buildings with ample parking options. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Fast? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

In BC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Fast during provincially insured surgical or medical procedures are typically covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). Pre-anesthetic consultations related to these procedures are also usually covered. Fees for specific uninsured services (e.g., certain non-medically required procedures, form completion) may apply based on provincial guidelines. Please confirm coverage with Medical Services Plan (MSP) for specific circumstances.

Can I directly request Dr. Fast for my anesthesia?

While you can discuss preferences with your surgeon, the assignment of an Anesthesiologist is typically managed by the hospital's anesthesia department or the surgical group based on scheduling, expertise required, and availability. Your surgeon arranges the necessary anesthesia care, which includes consultation with an anesthesiologist like Dr. Fast from the team covering your procedure.

Will I definitely meet the Anesthesiologist before my surgery/procedure?

You will always have an anesthesia assessment before your procedure. For major surgeries or complex health issues, this often occurs at a pre-admission clinic days or weeks beforehand. For healthier patients undergoing shorter procedures, the detailed discussion and assessment with Dr. Fast (or a colleague providing your care that day) may happen just before the procedure starts. In either case, your questions will be answered.

Do Anesthesiologists only work in the operating room?

While the OR is central, Anesthesiologists like Dr. Fast often work in other areas too, including:

• Labour and delivery suites (providing epidurals)
• Intensive Care Units (managing critically ill patients)
• Pre-operative assessment clinics
• Pain clinics (treating chronic pain)
• Procedure rooms (e.g., endoscopy, radiology, cardiology)

Her specific areas of practice will depend on her training and hospital/clinic roles.

Is anesthesia safe?

Modern anesthesia, administered by trained Anesthesiologists like Dr. Fast using advanced monitoring, is very safe for most patients. While all medical procedures have some risk, serious complications from anesthesia are rare. Your individual risk depends on your health, the type of surgery, and the type of anesthesia used. This will be carefully assessed and discussed with you before your procedure.

231 15TH St E Dept Of, Of Anesthesiology, Lion's Gate Hospital
North Vancouver, BC V7L 2L7

Phone: (604) 988-3131

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Fast is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Anesthesia services are typically arranged through the hospital or clinic where your procedure is scheduled.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/330469/Fast%2CClaire