SERIOUSLY injured patients from across the north will be taken to a new Major Trauma Centre (MTC) at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital under new protocols designed to enhance collaboration between hospitals.
From yesterday, a dedicated ward at the Royal is ensuring patients have access to the best model of care following major trauma such as head injuries, serious burns or road traffic collisions – the main causes of death for people under the age of 45.
Evidence shows patient survival rates can improve by as much as 20 per cent when hospitals work together as a network, minimising the time between a patient acquiring a severe injury and accessing specialist care.
The Belfast MTC, which will operate on a 24/7 basis, will offer a range of specialist trauma care services, including the new consultant-led ward and a rooftop helicopter landing pad.
Health minister Robin Swann the latest developments marked the culmination of several years of co-operation, planning and investment.
He said it demonstrated what was achievable when the "component parts of our health service work together as one system".
“I want to place on record my thanks to the network team for their continued commitment to improving the life-saving care they provide to the people of Northern Ireland," the minister said.
The Royal's Dr Duncan Redmill said: “It’s really important that seriously injured patients are assessed and treated quickly after an accident.
"Thanks to advances in medicine and technology, patients are now able to survive horrific injuries that previously may have resulted in death”.
