This also happens in the US, in small surgical centers. The rules are supposed to be that the attending surgeon is present. In reality you may be worked on by

This also happens in the US, in small surgical centers. The rules are supposed to be that the attending surgeon is present. In reality you may be worked on by a resident or a partner (true for any hospital). It’s legal though unethical, but hospitals and MDs don’t really care. For smaller facilities, there’s a real chance that they’ll cut corners further (less accountability and process). If you’re going under (general anesthetic), there’s a non-zero risk. Still, the rules in the US are theoretically stronger; but doctors can get away with so much, especially if they’re a cash cow.