Dr. Norman William Wickett – Anesthesiologist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Norman William Wickett, a respected Anesthesiologist, is committed to the highest standards of perioperative care and pain management. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in Kelowna, BC, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, ensuring patient safety and comfort during all phases of anesthesia. As a licensed physician under the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), Dr. Wickett adheres to the strictest professional standards to deliver quality anesthetic care. His focus encompasses a broad range of anesthetic practices, including general anesthesia, regional techniques, and sedation, tailored to individual patient needs.

Dr. Wickett graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia in 1984 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Anesthesiology. His professional credentials include certification by relevant medical colleges and adherence to ongoing medical education requirements to stay current with advances in anesthetic techniques and patient safety protocols.

With a clear and educational approach, Dr. Wickett’s clinical philosophy emphasizes patient safety, effective communication, and personalized care. He is dedicated to providing safe, compassionate, and effective anesthetic services for patients in Kelowna. Fluent in English, he ensures that patients understand their anesthesia plan and feel confident throughout their surgical experience.

• Intraoperative Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, breathing) and anesthetic depth throughout the procedure to ensure patient safety.
• Procedural Sedation (Outside OR): Administering sedation and monitoring for procedures performed outside the main operating rooms, such as in endoscopy suites or radiology.
• Anesthesia for Outpatient/Ambulatory Surgery: Providing safe and effective anesthesia tailored for procedures where patients are expected to go home the same day.
• 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.
• Airway Management Expertise: Skilled management of the patient's airway, including intubation (placing a breathing tube) when necessary, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Wickett (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. Wickett primarily practices at medical facilities located in the Upper Mission and Kettle Valley neighborhoods of Kelowna, BC. These facilities are conveniently situated near Orchard Park Shopping Centre, making access straightforward for patients. The location is accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), providing public transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, with ample options to accommodate patients and visitors.

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

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

How will my pain be managed after the procedure?

Effective pain management is a priority. Depending on the procedure, Dr. Wickett may use strategies like regional nerve blocks placed before or during surgery for prolonged numbness, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps, epidural infusions, or a combination of different types of pain medications (multimodal analgesia). The goal is to keep you comfortable to aid recovery and mobility. This plan is often coordinated with the surgical team.

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. Wickett (or a colleague providing your care that day) may happen just before the procedure starts. In either case, your questions will be answered.

4336 Bedford Rd
Kelowna, BC V1W 3C5

Phone: (250) 764-9016 | Fax: (250) 764-9017

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Wickett 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/304299/Wickett%2CNorman