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Abstract This work presents a mixed tactical-operational level through joining the master Surgery Scheduling (MSS) and Surgery Scheduling Problem (SSP) but to achieve better deployment of resources over the two combined levels. It is assumed that all strategic level decisions are given as input data, then the problems of the subsequent two levels are solved. A model that focuses on resources allocation over the two combined levels is developed. Two main resources are considered; the Surgical Physicians (SPs) with different experience levels and the beds in the wards as well. Resources are regarded as decision variables rather than constraints. The model takes one step forward towards practical life application through resembling the real system features and characteristics. Patients are categorized according to their surgery complexity. SPs are working in teams, surgeon and assistant surgeon(s), rather than a single surgeon. An Integer Linear Programming (ILP) optimization for block scheduling is used to model the problem that levels both the SP’s workload and the bed occupancy while maximizing the OR’s utilization. The novelty of the model is that it is a tactical-operational model that considers levelling of resources as well surgical teams and surgery complexity. The model has been applied to a hospital in Egypt and has been solved under two different strategies. In the first strategy, all of the available ORs are used. In the second strategy, one of the ORs is reserved for urgent and emergency cases. The results showed that the model provides levelled and smoothed daily bed occupancy as well as SPs workloads while increasing OR utilization. Furthermore, it has been proven with evidence that the model favors complex surgeries since they are the most critical surgeries among the elective patients and this adds one more realistic dimension to the model. Moreover, the model is qualified to work for integrated hospitals that interact from a system-wide perspective for the Operating Theaters(OTs)planning. |