Resumption of elective orthopaedic surgery

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.