ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on operating theatre activity internationally in 20201-3. Australia was fortunate to experience relatively small outbreaks compared with many other countries. Melbourne, the second most populous city in Australia, was the only site in Australia to have a sizeable 'second wave' outbreak, resulting in significant curtailing of operating theatre activity, particularly elective cases. This study aimed to quantify the reduction in operating theatre activity at a major health network in Melbourne, Australia. Methods: A retrospective audit of electronic theatre booking data was performed at Western Health, Melbourne, Australia. All cases in the 20 operating theatres across the four main hospitals at Western Health (Footscray, Sunshine, Joan Kirner Women's and Children's, and Williamstown hospitals) from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020 were included. These hospitals manage a broad mix of elective and emergency cases including obstetric and paediatric procedures but excluding cardiac surgery and intracranial neurosurgery. Results: In 2020 there were 2,474 fewer operating theatre cases at Western Health compared with 2019, with 23,179 in 2019 and 20,705 in 2020. This represents a 10.7% fall in cases. The greatest reduction in cases were seen in April (388, 21.7%) and May (592, 28%) during the 'first wave' and in August (673, 32.6%) during the 'second wave'. The overall reduction in cases was partially offset by greater numbers in February (237, 13.4%) and December (116, 6.3%). Discussion: While there was a substantial reduction in operating theatre case numbers at Western Health during Melbourne's 'first wave' and 'second wave' of COVID-19, this impact is likely much smaller than at many international institutions1. The full effects of these reductions at a population level remains to be seen. (Table Presented).