First major trauma centre opens

A major trauma centre (MTC), which will treat the most seriously injured patients in the North of Scotland, has opened in Aberdeen.

The facility at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is the first of four major trauma centres due to open as part of Scotland's Trauma Network.

The network will ensure that those seriously injured get the best possible care and chances of recovery, wherever their location.

Backed by £15.2m investment so far, the new Scottish Trauma Network will also include the Scottish Ambulance Service and existing trauma services.

Further facilities are due to open in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee giving patients the best specialist treatment and rehabilitation.

Officially opening the Aberdeen facility, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said:

"This marks an important day in changing trauma care in Scotland for the better.

"The new centre will help our most severely injured patients and ensure patients have the best chance of a speedy recovery from their injuries.

"On top of the £15.2 million we have invested to make the network a reality, there will be a gradual increase in funding over 5 years with an anticipated budget of £27 million by 2021/22."

Dr Iain MacLeod, Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine and Unit Clinical Director for the MTC said:

"This collaborative way of working draws all the professionals and components together across the north of Scotland: from pre-hospital admission with the Scottish Ambulance Service to our community-based rehabilitation teams once the patient has returned home.

"It's an exciting and innovative approach to trauma medicine which keeps our adult and paediatric trauma patients very much at the heart of each component of their healthcare journey."

Kate Burley, Associate Director of the Scottish Trauma Network, said:

"The opening of this major trauma centre in Aberdeen, the first of four major trauma centres for Scotland, is an exciting milestone and highlights the ongoing work of the Scottish Trauma Network.

"The network has been working in collaboration with NHS Boards and the Scottish Ambulance Service to enhance the services for patients with life changing or life threatening injuries. For example, the introduction of a Trauma Desk within the Ambulance Control Centre to support paramedics and ensure trauma patients get the optimal care. These new ways of working will help to ensure that no matter where anyone in Scotland experiences their trauma, they have the same excellent access to trauma care to support them and their families."

Anne-Marie Pitt, North of Scotland Trauma Network Manager, said:

Background

In addition to the £15.2 million, there will be a gradual increase in funding over five years with an anticipated budget of £27 million by 2021/22 which has been included in Scottish Government financial plans

The second MTC in Dundee will open on 19 November 2018, followed by Edinburgh and Glasgow by 2020/21.