Dr. Nigel Ian Barker – Anesthesiologist | Vancouver, BC

With expertise in Anesthesiology, Dr. Nigel Ian Barker ensures patients receive appropriate anesthetic management tailored to their needs. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in Vancouver, BC, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, adhering to the standards established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Barker's role involves comprehensive assessment, planning, and delivery of anesthesia care, with a focus on patient safety and comfort. His practice primarily serves patients requiring anesthesia for a wide range of surgical and medical procedures.

Dr. Barker graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) from the University of Sheffield Medical School in 1997, United Kingdom. He completed extensive post-graduate training in Anesthesiology, earning certification and accreditation necessary for independent practice. His training included rotations in various subspecialties of anesthesia, ensuring a broad and deep expertise to manage complex cases effectively.

Guided by a clear and educational clinical philosophy, Dr. Barker is committed to delivering safe, evidence-based anesthetic care in Vancouver. He speaks English fluently and prioritizes transparent communication with his patients to foster understanding and trust throughout the perioperative process.

• 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.
• Airway Management Expertise: Skilled management of the patient's airway, including intubation (placing a breathing tube) when necessary, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
• 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.
• Regional Anesthesia Techniques: Numbing specific body regions using targeted nerve blocks (e.g., spinal, epidural, peripheral nerve blocks) for surgery or pain control, potentially allowing the patient to remain awake or sedated.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Barker (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. Barker practices primarily at medical facilities located in the Shaughnessy and Arbutus Ridge South neighborhoods of Vancouver, BC. These facilities are conveniently situated near Kitsilano Beach and are accessible via TransLink networks, including the SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In BC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Barker 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. Barker 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. Barker from the team covering your procedure.

What are the main types of anesthesia you might use?

Dr. Barker selects the safest and most appropriate anesthetic based on your health and the procedure. Options include:

• General Anesthesia: You'll be completely unconscious and unaware.
• Regional Anesthesia: A specific body part is numbed (e.g., spinal/epidural for lower body, nerve block for arm/leg). You might be awake or sedated.
• Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC)/Sedation: Medication helps you relax and feel drowsy, often used with local anesthetic by the surgeon.

The choice will be discussed with you beforehand.

Do Anesthesiologists only work in the operating room?

While the OR is central, Anesthesiologists like Dr. Barker 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)

His specific areas of practice will depend on his training and hospital/clinic roles.

Is it possible to wake up during general anesthesia?

Awareness under general anesthesia is extremely rare with modern techniques and monitoring used by Anesthesiologists like Dr. Barker. Specialized monitors help track the depth of anesthesia, and drug doses are carefully adjusted throughout the procedure to ensure you remain safely unconscious and unaware.

4480 Oak St, Bc Childrens Hospital, Department of Pediatric Anesthesia
Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4

Phone: (604) 875-2711

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Barker 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/329032/Barker%2CNigel