BOA and GIRFT statement on 'ring fenced' orthopaedic beds in the COVID-19 context

The BOA and GIRFT have worked together to produce this statement regarding 'ring fenced' beds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has long been recognised that 'ring fencing' orthopaedic beds for planned care is the only acceptable standard for our patients. The GIRFT report published earlier this year discusses surgical site infection and notes that ‘it is likely that the maintenance of ring-fencing has contributed to the decreasing infection rates in the orthopaedics specialty.’