The Western Cape Surgical Recovery Project: experience at Groote Schuur Hospital

Background Data from six Western Cape secondary-level hospitals have shown that during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic (which lasted May to July 2020), total surgeries decreased by 44%, and elective 74%, due secondment nursing, anaesthetic surgical staff COVID high-care intensive-care services. At Groote Schuur Hospital, loss output over two years pandemic-related service de-escalation (2020-2021) was estimated at 10 000 cases, with 6 patients progressive disease waiting for care. Methods In early 2022, a Surgical Recovery Project initiated; funding Department Health, donations Gift Givers Foundation, private individuals, businesses, other non-governmental organisations were used build, staff, equip Day-Case Surgery Suite. Results By midway point (end October 2022), 800 extra cases had been completed, is currently on track exceed target 1 500 in calendar year least 10%. The largest number procedures done eye (n = 191), followed involving surgery integumentary system 141), musculoskeletal 123). There 30 patient cancellations. While expectedly poorer on-time-start statistics quarter operation (range 0.0 - 6.9%), percentage improved markedly second 43.3 56.5%). World Health Organization checklists completed 85.1% operations performed Suite, no adverse incidents or mortalities recorded Unit. Conclusions This project demonstrates volume services provided public sector can be escalated use external capital human resources, equipment consumables. However, these become truly effective when there sufficient multi-disciplinary planning, alignment support, operational, strategic executive levels healthcare facilities.