12 January 2017
Next steps in delivering a bespoke trauma network for Scotland was announced by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood.
An additional £5 million would be allocated in 2017, to accelerate progress on the development of the new network.
FM .@NicolaSturgeon announces £5 million to support implementation of new Scottish Trauma Network https://t.co/2g2U5ICQCF pic.twitter.com/mFKej27oO1
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) January 11, 2017
It will be based around four major trauma centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh – with a view to benefiting around 6,000 of Scotland’s seriously injured patients each year.
The Scottish Ambulance Service and existing trauma services across Scotland will also have a vital role in delivering enhanced trauma care. All these services will together, create the Scottish Trauma Network.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was at Ninewells Hospital today and met key staff who care for trauma patients #lovenhstayside #valueyournhs pic.twitter.com/KONU3TQUED
— NHS Tayside (@NHSTayside) January 11, 2017
Meeting clinical staff from Ninewells Hospital who have been involved in the development of the new trauma network, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
Scotland’s NHS already provides a fantastic service to the thousands of patients who experience a serious or major injury every year.
The Scottish Trauma Network will connect and co-ordinate clinical teams across the country – giving patients, particularly those with major trauma, access to better care and rehabilitation support and ensure they get taken to the right place as quickly as possible.
It is estimated that this approach could save up to 40 more lives a year, and it is a model of care which is very much in line with the aims and ambitions of our delivery plan for health and social care – published at the end of 2016.”
Chief Medical Officer and chair of the National Trauma Network Implementation Group Dr Catherine Calderwood said:
Each year in Scotland, around 5,000 people are seriously injured, with around 1,000 cases being defined as ‘major trauma’.
For each trauma fatality, there are two survivors with serious or permanent disability that will have significant impact on quality of life. These severely injured patients require highly specialised care, extended hospital stays and extensive rehabilitation.
Today marks an important day in changing trauma care in Scotland for the better. This report details how we will develop a unique network model of trauma care; one that will deliver improved outcomes for injured patients.”