Revista de neurología y medicina pediátrica

The initial impact of COVID-19 on Paediatric Spinal Services in Scotland

Abstract

Dr. Matthew Newman

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has meant a significant decline in the activities of the paediatric spinal services in Scotland.

Methods: All referrals to the Scottish paediatrics spinal service from 1^st January 2020 to 30^th June 2020 were analysed. The comparison was made to the same period in 2019. All orthotics initial consultations and all paediatrics spinal theatre activity in Scotland from 1^st March 2020 to 30^th June 2020 was analysed and compared to the previous year. Results: There was a 64.3% decline in referrals during the pandemic in Scotland to the paediatric spinal service. The mean wait time to be seen in the 1^st clinic for a new referral was 6.56 weeks in 2020 compared to 10.94 in 2019. There were however 60 patients still waiting to be seen. The number of paediatric spinal operations declined by 34% during March to June 2020 when compared to the same months in 2019 there was a reduction of 50% of new paediatric patients seen by orthotics from March – June 2020 when compared to 2019.