New figures have revealed that more than 1,600 lives have been saved since the launch of NHS major trauma centres six years ago.
The new report, which features in the latest issue of EClinicalMedicine published by The Lancet, has been compiled by the Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) based at The University of Manchester supported by experts at the Universities of Leicester and Sheffield.
Experts said 1,656 people who would ‘probably have died’ had been saved by being taken directly to hospitals better equipped to deal with life-threatening injuries. The report also found patients spent fewer days in hospital and quality of life improved after receiving critical care.
Working alongside local hospital trauma units, major trauma centres operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are staffed by consultant-led specialist teams with access to the best treatment facilities. The NHS reorganisation created 27 designated major trauma centres, with the London network launched in April 2010 and networks across the rest of the country operating since April 2012.
Previously, patients who suffered major trauma were taken to the nearest hospital, regardless of whether it had facilities to deal with such serious injuries. This frequently caused delays in patients receiving the right treatment as they had to be transferred to another hospital.
Major trauma centres with dedicated personnel and specialist equipment undoubtedly save more lives and reduce the risk of serious disability. For example, a patient who has suffered a serious head injury can receive a CT scan within 30 minutes, allowing doctors to respond quickly to reduce the risk of brain damage.
Effectively treating major trauma is particularly important as, for those under the age of 40, it remains the most common cause of death, with survivors often suffering long-term disability. The National Audit Office estimates there are 20,000 major trauma cases a year, with 5,400 deaths.