02.07.14
Major trauma centres a ‘success story’ as hundreds of lives saved
The introduction of regional trauma networks has saved hundreds of lives in just two years, an independent audit suggests.
Since the changes in April 2012 about 600 more patients have survived major trauma, and for every additional survivor, three further NHS patients will make an enhanced recovery allowing them to return to families and friends.
Regional trauma networks were developed by doctors, nurses and allied health professionals including paramedics and physiotherapists. Those with serious injuries get taken to one of 25 specialised 24/7 major trauma centres instead of just their nearest local hospital.
NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens called it “a major NHS success story”, especially since the 16,000 life-threatening major traumas are the biggest cause of death in children and adults under the age of 40 annually.
The independent audit was commissioned by NHS England and produced by the Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN), and showed that patients in England have a 30% improved chance of surviving severe injuries since the changes two years ago.
Stevens said: “The NHS of the future will be one where more support for frail older patients is provided locally, but where for really major conditions, patients get quick access to centres of excellence. We need both – not either/or.
“This reminds us that healthcare is constantly changing and the NHS needs to adapt with it. Sometimes we need to centralise in order to save lives, at other times we need to make services more local to meet the needs of patients.”
NHS England explained: “Previously, these patients often waited seven to ten days in a local hospital before being transferred to a specialist surgical unit for treatment of complex injuries to their spine, pelvis or limbs. Now over 90% of patients are transferred within two days, treated and then go home promptly or move to a hospital close to their home to complete their recovery and rehabilitation.
Professor Chris Moran, national clinical director for trauma at NHS England, said: “People are rightly quick to point out where the NHS falls down, but this report shows our NHS at its best.
“By any international standard, these figures speak for themselves - we are saving more lives than ever before. In my daily practice as a surgeon, I am seeing patients survive injuries that would have been fatal just a few years ago.
“The figures also serve as a stark reminder that where change saves life and improves care, we must be flexible and prepared to change the system rapidly to deliver the care that our patients deserve.
“One thing that has surprised us is that major trauma doesn’t just affect young men on motorbikes. The NHS is now successfully treating large numbers of patients who have retired but remain fit and active and suffer injuries similar to young people.”
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