Acute Pain Service

The Acute Pain Service at Zuger Kantonsspital ensures that you receive effective treatment round the clock following an operation or in the event of acute pain. You will be looked after by specially trained nurses (pain nurses) and specialists in anaesthesia.

Round-the-clock care

From Monday to Friday, a pain nurse visits you daily to assess your condition and pain levels and to continuously adjust your pain management. Pain pumps and pain catheters are also set up and monitored. At night and at weekends, the anaesthetists on duty are there for you. This ensures that your post-operative pain management is provided 24 hours a day.

Well-managed pain management is more than just pain relief: it prevents complications such as pneumonia and promotes a faster recovery. Our Acute Pain Service ensures a consistent, high standard of care across all nursing wards and continuously documents its effectiveness.

Services

Daily morning rounds
Assessing the patient’s general condition
Assessing pain intensity using established measurement tools such as the NRS (Numeric Rating Scale) or VAS (Visual Analogue Scale)
Recording of possible side effects such as nausea, breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, etc.
Prescribing or adjusting painkillers
Setting up and monitoring pain pumps
Checking and changing the dressings on pain catheters
Assistance with infiltrations using an image intensifier or ultrasound
Conducting pain management consultations in consultation with the doctors
Recording of the measures taken
Regular training for care staff

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Acute Pain Service?

The Acute Pain Service is a specialist service provided by the Institute of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine. Specially trained nursing staff (pain nurses) and anaesthetists ensure that patients receive effective treatment following surgery or in situations of acute pain.

Who will look after me after an operation if I’m in pain?

During the day, a pain nurse will manage your post-operative pain management: she will visit you daily, assess your pain levels and adjust your treatment accordingly. Outside these hours and at weekends, the anaesthetist on duty will be responsible for your care.

What is a pain nurse?

A pain nurse is a registered nurse with additional training in pain management. They monitor your pain, set up pain pumps and pain catheters, adjust pain medication in consultation with the doctors, and train the nursing staff.