MORE patients reported to Frankston Hospital needing surgery for “drug related injuries” during the COVID-19 lockdown, research from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons shows.
The research shows that 12 surgeries for substance abuse were performed at the hospital between 22 March and 17 May in 2020, compared to six surgeries from 22 March to 17 May, 2019.
During the first lockdown period, surgeries for bicycle trauma and for DIY injuries also increased.
RACS specialist plastic surgeon, Marc Seifman, said “the research paints a picture of what people were doing during the pandemic.”
“Unsurprisingly more than 80 per cent of plastic surgery operations during the lockdown period were due to injuries acquired at home,” he said.
“Despite some decreases, the findings show a continued need for emergency plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Planning will be essential to ensure surgical resources are sustained during any future waves of the virus.”
