EP.WE.453Impact of COVID 19 pandemic on colorectal rapid access investigations

Abstract Aim The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on delays in diagnosis cancer has been highlighted at a national level. Such delay represents an ongoing source mortality and morbidity missing from statistics. This study examines investigation patients referred to urgent colorectal referral service single centre. Method Retrospective data was collated prospective database for all 1,894 referrals period 21 January 24 December 2020. time appointment (TTA) compared by date outcome type (endoscopy, CT abdomen pelvis (CT-AP), colonography (CT-C), clinic appointment). Results Across 2020, fewer than 25% met NICE recommendation within 14 days (median TTA 30 days, first quartile 19). increased dramatically months (February median: 19; March: 80.5). remained high, not falling below median wait 28 until November. CT-C tests were particularly delayed TTA: 86) due concerns regarding aerosol generation transmission. Patients offered CT-AP while awaiting their CT-C, as had significantly better 15 days. Conclusion major disruptor with waiting more twice long recommends. will likely continue into 2021, further research required assess this disruption morbidity.