Hi gizmocusack - still thinking about this one! Almost certainly 'anaesthetist' = 'number' (one who numbs) but this is only six letters. The perfect clue would read 'partner' (singular) facing anaesthetist = 'opposite number' (8,6). Can't think of a solution to fit (8,8) but I may well be on the wrong track! Hope this is of some help. ☺ja