COVID-19 and perioperative nursing – inside the NSW State Emergency Operation Centre

Abstract

[ ]in early March, there had been no alteration to elective surgery in either the public or the private sector but the expectation of increased pressure on ward and ICU beds made it clear that a decision would need to be made When the federal and NSW governments made the decision to put category 3 elective surgery such as total hip replacements and cataract surgery on hold, our focus moved to communication and consultation with both the public and private sector on case mix, availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and workforce issues Empowering our patients in elective surgery through encouraging patient education and prehabilitation programs has a significant impact on patient outcomes4