COVID-19 continues to have a big impact on planned surgery in the UK, with the backlog still a concern for the NHS. It’s clear the National Health Service has suffered dramatically since the start of the pandemic, and that’s before we dig deeper into all the statistics.
The latest referral to treatment statistics from NHS England published on 15th April shows that 4.7 million people were waiting to begin treatment at the end of February this year. This is the highest number since records began back in 2007.
Exactly why these waiting times have increased at such a rate is unclear, but what we do know is the impact COVID-19 has had on this backlog. Treating patients with COVID-19 meant that operating theatres and outpatient clinics were out of use during the first wave of the pandemic. This meant surgical and nursing staff were redeployed in many instances to provide patient cover if they weren’t absent from work or isolating because of contracting the virus themselves.
Even though hospitals are now much better equipped and prepared than they were at this time last year, they are still high risk areas. Due to the precautions and procedures that are now in place to treat all patients in hospitals, surgeries are taking much longer than they once did, which has had a knock on effect on those waiting lists for surgery.
How are NHS surgeries attempting to bounce back from COVID-19’s impact?
Hospitals are planning increased numbers of surgeries going forward after the success of the vaccines, extending working hours as well as ensuring resource sharing to tackle these ever-growing waiting lists. However, in doing so, this has an increased demand on sterilisation departments and different units to process higher numbers of equipment, such as instrument trays, as well as the need for faster turnaround times.
Clearing the NHS surgeries backlog is a huge task, but surgical teams need to be provided with all the necessary equipment, resources and facilities, as well as professional support to get through their waiting lists successfully. From ‘green pathways’ - covid-free areas of hospitals for planned surgery, as well as new ways of working by taking advantage of remote consultations, positive first steps are being taken to reduce that backlog and get back on track.
Why choose Hupfer?
In addition to hospitals, all those in the healthcare sector need the best tools to be able to effectively do their jobs, from those instrument trays to transport carts and storage. Now is the time to invest and replace old and poorly functioning equipment, helping NHS surgeries make a dent in their patient backlogs.
Maintenance
Do you have an old Hupfer cart that needs maintenance? Trak in-house maintenance offers the most effective repair and maintenance of Hupfer carts. Together, we have detailed technical knowledge and can source original spare parts to get your equipment up and running again.
In-stock items
We have stock of many of our carts ready and waiting to be dispatched. With no Brexit shipping delays, next day delivery in the UK without waiting for manufacturing lead times, as well as add-on accessory options, there really is no reason to wait!
Better organisation
With Hupfer’s range of stainless steel shelving and mobile shelving options, you can organise your department and ensure all staff members have what they need with easy access to treat their patients.
More space
Allow more space for inspecting and wrapping your trays and containers with our sturdy packing tables. Our tables are all-round performers which are robust, stable, stainless and also available in electrically height-adjustable and/or mobile versions.
Get back on your feet with Hupfer’s medical range
For more information about any of our medical equipment, or if you need any recommendations for your department, get in touch with the team at Hupfer.
Sarka Oldham - sarka@hupfermedical.com.