Limited implementation of measures to reduce nosocomial spread of COVID-19 in hip-fracture patients in the North West of England (November 2020)

Summary

Hip-fracture patients are vulnerable to the outcomes of COVID-19. Authors of this study, published in The Journal of Hospital Infection, performed a cross-sectional survey to determine measures employed to limit nosocomial spread of COVID-19 in 23 orthopaedic trauma departments in the North-West of England.

Nineteen (87%) hospitals admitted patients to a ward prior to a negative swab, and only 9 (39%) patients were barrier nursed. Hip-fracture patients were operated in non-COVID-19-free theatres in 21 (91%) hospitals. Regular screening of doctors working in trauma and elective areas for COVID-19 was undertaken in three (13%) and five (22%) hospitals, respectively. Doctors moved freely between trauma and elective areas in 22 (96%) hospitals.