Liquid Fasting Before an Operation: Reducing Risk, Improving Care

Patient safety is not only about preventing dramatic adverse events; it is also about reducing avoidable harm embedded in everyday routines. Despite significant evidence, many patients still face prolonged “nothing after midnight" practices, leading to unnecessary fasting of clear liquids for 12 hours or more – a tradition that causes increased thirst, hunger, anxiety, and dehydration with no clinical benefit. Following the recent publication of the International Multidisciplinary Consensus Statement on Pre-operative Liquid Fasting, developed through a rigorous Delphi process, the World Patients Alliance (WPA) and the European Patient Safety Foundation (EUPSF) have decided to organize a webinar entitled “Liquid Fasting Before an Operation: Reducing Risk, Improving Care” on July 9, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST. The webinar aims to bridge the gap between the newly established consensus recommendations, real-world clinical practice, and patient experience. During the webinar you will learn about the clear liquid fasting recommendations from the consensus statement, hear real-world patient stories illustrating the physical and psychological toll of prolonged fasting, and be able to discuss with the multi-stakeholder panel how to overcome deep-seated traditions and help translate evidence-based recommendations into daily care. We invite healthcare professionals, hospital administrators, and patient advocates to join us for this essential discussion on modernising perioperative care and implementing safer, evidence-based protocols.

Andrew Spiegel, Chair, WPA

– From ‘Nothing After Midnight’ to Evidence-Based Care: The New International Consensus on Pre-operative Liquid Fasting

Dr. Anne Rüggeberg (Germany), Anaesthesiologist and Lead of the Fasting Card Project

Patient Perspective: Real-World Examples from Different Regions

Helen Haskell, Chair, WPA Patient Safety & Quality Council

Moderator: Helen Haskell, World Patient Alliance

– Anne Rüggeberg (Germany), Anaesthesiologist, Lead of Consensus Statement

– Anne Marie Camilleri Podesta (Malta), Anaesthesiologist, representing European/national anaesthesiology societies

– Doina Carmen Mazilu (Romania), EUPSF Board member and Vice-President of The Order of Nurses, Midwives and Medical Assistants in Romania

– Patient Representative (TBC)

– World Medical Association (TBC)

Mrs. Mirka Cikkelova, General Secretary, EUPSF