Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) is Singapore’s 2nd largest general hospital and was closely involved with National Centre for Infectious Diseases in tackling the COVID-19 patient surge. Elective Operating Theatre (OT) slots and clinic numbers were cut, availing hospital beds and manpower for COVID suspect screening. Despite this, the HPB unit aimed to provide safe and timely surgical care for all patients whilst following national and hospital COVID-19 policies. OT lists were made communal to the entire department, allowing prioritization based on medical need. Doctors, nurses and coordinators strived towards ensuring that slots were not wasted and that a listed surgery would proceed as planned. We describe how we managed to paradoxically increase and maintain the HPB’s oncology cases throughout the pandemic with clear leadership, proper resource allocation and good communication.
