598 Burns Management at A UK Major Trauma Centre During The COVID-19 Lockdown

Abstract

Aim The COVID-19 pandemic forced huge changes in healthcare delivery in the UK within a matter of weeks. We report our experience of managing burns presenting to a UK Major Trauma Centre during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Method Retrospective patient data was collected on aetiology, severity and management of burns during the first six weeks of the government-enforced lockdown. Data was compared with patients presenting with burns during the same period in 2019 (control) and statistical analysis was performed. Results Fifteen patients were treated during the COVID-19 lockdown and fourteen in the control group. Adults treated during the COVID-19 lockdown had a greater total body surface area (TBSA) (9% vs. 2.9%, p 0.035) and were more likely to suffer full thickness burns (40% vs. 0%). In the COVID-19 group all patients that did not require resuscitation, seven of whom met criteria for referral to burns services, were managed locally by the plastic surgery department with good outcomes. Conclusions Despite the increase in severity of adult burns seen during the COVID-19 lockdown period, local plastic surgery units have been able to adapt their practice and successfully manage more complex burns. This adaptability will be key as we move through the pandemic.