SP4.1.15 Maintaining elective surgery in a district general hospital during a global pandemic. Lessons in surgical leadership and collaborative working from the first wave of COVID-19

Abstract

Aims: To share our experience of maintaining elective surgery, during the 1st wave of COVID-19. Paucity of evidence regarding COVID-19 pathogenicity provided an opportunity for surgical leadership to collaborate with infection control in establishing local guidelines for mitigating Nosocomial transmission. We aim to demonstrate that early engagement with management facilitating an interdepartmental collaborative approach can provide lessons formaintaining clean elective surgical pathways. Methods: Retrospective audit April - June 2020 using a digital electronic patient record system (CWS) linked to an operating theatre system (Ormis). Review of published guidelines. Results: Mean Age 61 (24-89). Mean ASA 2, Performance Status <1. 86% swabbed <5 days pre admission, 25% <3. 3 -ve postoperative COVID-19 swabs. No deaths. Peak Community case rate 110\100,000 population. Conclusions: Elective Colorectal/Breast Cancer and urgent Biliary/ General surgery was successfully maintained at the peak of the 1st wave in a region with high community transmission. No perioperative COVID-19 infections\mortalities. Our experience of leading collaboration with management\key departments can provide lessons in maintaining elective surgery in the face of repeated waves of COVID-19 or indeed future viral pandemics. (Table Presented).