Happy New Year - COVID-19 update

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):

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.

COVID-19Dennis Kosugehip surgeon, knee surgeon