Trauma To Be Less Traumatic

There's a more positive prognosis ahead for people here who suffer severe trauma, such as life threatening neck or back injuries.

Northern Ireland Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has just announced plans to improve the care provided to such casualties.

The plans include the establishment of a regional network and a major trauma centre to be developed in Belfast that will be supported by an annual investment of £300,000.

The plans follow an extensive public consultation exercise by the Department on proposals set out in 'Improving Services for Major Trauma'.

Announcing the plans, the Minister said: "Each year around 370 people in Northern Ireland suffer from major trauma.

"This is often life threatening and requires a prompt and coordinated approach to treatment if lives are to be saved.

"Typically cases may involve major head and neck injuries, cardiothoracic injuries, including penetrating chest wounds, and less frequently, serious abdominal injury," he said.

"To improve the care and outcomes for major trauma patients, I will be establishing a regional network for major trauma in Northern Ireland with a Regional Major Trauma Centre developed at the Royal Hospital.

"In practice this will mean, that in future, patients with major trauma should only be admitted to the Regional Major Trauma Centre and, as far as possible, should be taken directly," he said, noting that the ambulance service will therefore play a key role in ensuring that this is done quickly and safely.

Referring to the role of other hospitals the Minister stated: "Steps to improve trauma care will in no way diminish the role of existing A&E Departments.

"Accident and emergency units throughout Northern Ireland will continue to play an important role in managing a wide range of conditions, including a spectrum of trauma cases and, if appropriate, in resuscitating patients prior to transfer to the regional trauma centre."

(BMcC/JM)