Plastic physicians: The surgical salamanders of the COVID-19 pandemic. Issue 2 (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hughes, B.A.; Hassan, S.; Stallard, J.; Louette, S.; Smith, J.; Knight, S.L.; Fenn, C.; Peach, H.; Thornton, D.J.; Hernon, C.; Goodenough, J.; Bhat, W.; West, C.C.; Bains, R.D.; Bourke, G.; Smith, I.M.; Liddington, M.I.
• Is Part Of: Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery. Volume 74:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 401
• Page End: 406
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Plastic surgery -- Training -- Elective surgery -- Acute surgery -- Restructuring; Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 617.9505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2020.08.122
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-6815

Abstract

Summary: At the time of writing, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has affected 6.42 million people globally and over 380, 000 deaths, with the United Kingdom now having the highest death rate in Europe. The plastic surgery department at Leeds Teaching Hospitals put necessary steps in place to maintain an excellent urgent elective and acute service whilst also managing COVID-positive medical patients in the ward. We describe the structures and pathways implemented together with complex decision-making, which has allowed us to respond early and effectively. We hope these lessons will prove a useful tool as we look to open conversations around the recovery of normal activity.