The challenging situation in regards to the disruption of routine orthopaedic surgery due to COVID-19 has been highlighted in statements published by the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA). Concerns relating to the growing waiting times and the quality of life for patients awaiting surgery have been published recently. Mr Kosuge has been working closely with clinical and management teams at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in order to re-establish orthopaedic surgery for the local population.

Due to the improved COVID-19 situation at The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Mr Kosuge is extremely pleased to announce the hospitals’ decision to resume elective orthopaedic surgery from the first week of April. Mr Kosuge has been working with hospital management and administrators to prioritise his patients waiting for hip and knee surgery - this will be based on clinical need and the length of time patients have been waiting for surgery. Elective orthopaedic surgery has also resumed at The Rivers Hospital.

Although the presence of COVID-19 in the hospital and in the community is much improved, contracting COVID-19 remains a risk especially when attending the hospital for appointments or for surgery. Pre-cautionary measures will be in place to reduce these risks for surgery - e.g. COVID-19 patient testing, period of patient self-isolation, establishment of green pathways (patients treated in areas of hospital where risk of COVID-19 is lower compared to other ‘red’ or ‘amber’ areas of the hospital). Mr Kosuge advises his patients to remain vigilant by sticking to the rules of ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ and consider reducing risks by vaccination. As a health-care professional, Mr Kosuge was offered and has received his two COVID-19 vaccination doses.

This website contains a section entitled ‘Preparing for Surgery’, within which there is further information regarding COVID-19 and surgery.

Mr Kosuge wishes you a belated Happy New Year - it has been an extremely challenging start to 2021 due to the rising COVID-19 incidence regionally, as well as nationally. The incidence of COVID-19 is projected to increase further, with peak numbers from this week onwards to the end of this month.

All routine orthopaedic services at The Princess Alexandra Hospital have been suspended due to the effects of COVID-19 and for mobilising resources - all routine orthopaedic operations and orthopaedic out-patient clinics have been suspended. Emergency trauma & orthopaedic services continue to be operational via the Emergency Department or Minor Injuries Unit. Members of the Trauma & Orthopaedic department have offered help to our Emergency Department, Physicians and Intensive Care colleagues.

Rivers Hospital are still providing out-patient services and operating lists, as well as continuing to support the NHS, This situation is fluid and these services are likely to be affected. For further information, please click here.

Mr Kosuge is hopeful that with the combination of strict adherence to the guidance under the third national lockdown, the national vaccination programme, and us getting through the additional winter pressures placed on the NHS, the incidence of COVID-19 will reduce and routine services have a chance of resuming. As soon as it is appropriate, Mr Kosuge will work with The Princess Alexandra Hospital to re-establish routine services on-site but alternative solutions are also being explored.

There was positive news recently in that the third vaccination was approved for use by the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA):

• GOV.UK: Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19 approved by MHRA

• GOV.UK: Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for COVID-19 approved by MHRA

• GOV.UK: Moderna vaccine for COVID-19 approved by MHRA

For more information about COVID-19 vaccinations, please click here.

Mr Kosuge would like to re-iterate our Chief Medical Officer’s message. Please stay safe all.