This study evaluates COVID-related patient risk, when undergoing management within one of the largest specialist centres in Europe, which rapidly implemented national COVID-safety guidelines.

A prospective cohort study was undertaken in all patients who underwent surgical (n=1429) or non-operative (n=191) management during the UK COVID-19 pandemic peak (April-May 2020); all were evaluated for 30-day COVID-related death.

A representative sample of elective/trauma/burns patients (surgery group, n=729) were selected and also sub-analysed within a controlled cohort study design. Comparison was made to a random selection of non-operatively managed (non-operative group, n=100) or waiting list (control group, n=250) patients.

These groups were prospectively followed-up and telephoned from the end of June (control group) or at 30 days post-first assessment (non-operative group)/post-operatively (surgery group).