1358 Does A COVID Protected Hospital Within A COVID Hospital Enable Elective Care and Training Opportunities?

Rashid, H; Gala, T; Ain, Q; Ashraf, H; Vesamia, S; Vig, S

INTRODUCTION: Elective care in the UK came to a standstill with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. A restart could only be enabled with ‘green site’ separation and a ‘covid protected’ zone. A ‘hospital within the hospital’ concept was developed including 9 elective theatres, 28 ring fenced elective beds, a surgical enhanced care unit, a canteen, and a separated entrance. This model was underpinned with PPE, enhanced infection control and guidance for staff. The study documented the ability to recover elective activity and therefore provide a training environment for surgical trainees. METHOD: Data was collected weekly (7/20 to 1/21) through the business informatics system with regard to theatres cases completed compared to the activity achieved in the 11-theatre elective estate pre COVID-19. RESULTS: Pre COVID-19, an average of 263 cases were completed per week. In the first week of operation, 31% of theatre capacity was achieved. By week 7, 106% of pre COVID was recorded and 130% by week 11. This was maintained until the impact of the second wave where activity has reduced to 50% but is not anticipated to reduce further as local anaesthetic and blocks maybe utilised. CONCLUSIONS: This ‘hospital within the hospital’ has enabled elective care to return to above normal levels, with increased efficiencies. This has enabled a rapid return to a training environment for trainees disheartened with deployment to critical care in the first wave.