Citation

Prokopenko M, Khatkar H. Cureus 2020; 12(12): e12087.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Curēus)

DOI

10.7759/cureus.12087

PMID

33489505

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This article seeks to evaluate and outline the changes made to the trauma and orthopaedic department in a district general hospital in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic. We detail the approach in relation to surgical management, workforce optimisation and our general reflections as a department.

METHODS: We interviewed, collated and have subsequently described the adaptations implemented by our department. We have collected their shared strategy and reflections on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected our department.

RESULTS: Alterations were implemented to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A strategy focused on ensuring the workforce remained healthy, and patient care pathways were altered as minimally as possible.

CONCLUSIONS:  As a unit, a sense of heightened vigilance needs to remain for the foreseeable future. Decisive action by departmental leadership, alongside a cohesive and open, has allowed for our trauma service to continue largely unchanged. This analysis serves as an important aide-memoire for future periods of extreme uncertainty.

Language: en

Keywords

acute care surgery and trauma; covid 19; covid-19 outbreak; covid-19 pandemic; general trauma surgery; orthopaedic disease; orthopaedics trauma; return to elective service