Major Trauma Centre, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Major Trauma Centres are at the ‘core’ of the regional trauma networks. There are four Major Trauma Centres in Scotland, based in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
The Major Trauma Centre at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh has a twelve bedded Major Trauma Ward. This includes four level one monitored beds and a dedicated gym space for the provision of acute rehab. The Department for Clinical Neurosciences (DCN) also provides capacity for closed head trauma patients as part of the major trauma centre.
What Is A Hospital Major Trauma Service?
A Hospital Major Trauma Service has responsibility and governance for all Major Trauma Care in Hospital. The Major Trauma Centre will provide a dedicated Major Trauma Service for patients of Major Trauma which consists of the following:
- A dedicated trauma ward
- A designated consultant available 24/7 who has responsibility for the Major Trauma Service and leads the multidisciplinary care team.
- Acute specialist trauma rehabilitation services.
- Acute specialist services for elderly populations
- A named member of clinical staff who co-ordinates the patient care. This person should also act as a single point of contact for patients, carers and family.
South East Trauma Network
The Major Trauma Centre at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh is part of the wider South East Trauma Network which provides care to people injured in the Lothians, Borders, Forth Valley and Fife.
The Major Trauma Centre provides people who have experienced major trauma injuries with access to a consultant-led specialist team and appropriate diagnostic and treatment facilities.
If a person with major trauma is over 45 minutes away from the Major Trauma Centre they may be initially managed in a Trauma Unit for some initial care before they are transferred to the Major Trauma Centre. Trauma Units are based at Victoria Hospital Kirkcaldy, Borders General Hospital and Forth Valley Royal Hospital. These sites specialise in providing care to anyone whose injuries are categorised as minor or moderate trauma. Many people with major trauma may also receive aspects of their rehabilitation or follow-up care at one of these sites if closer to their home.
The Major Trauma Pathway
Pre-hospital
Trauma patients are likely to arrive at the Major Trauma Centre or Trauma Unit by ambulance. The pre-hospital care team will provide initial care to them en-route and identify the severity of the injuries by using the major trauma triage tool.
Acute Care
Patients will receive immediate emergency care from the multidisciplinary team in the Major Trauma Centre or Trauma Unit.
Ongoing care
Patients will receive ongoing care for the treatment of their injuries. Patients who are initially admitted to the major trauma centre may be transferred to a trauma unit or other hospital closer to home for ongoing care.
Rehabilitation
Patients will begin rehabilitation early in their patient journey. Rehabilitation will provide support for both physical injuries and mental wellbeing/health. Rehabilitation will also aim to support patient’s return to their regular life/activities.
A Major Trauma Rehabilitation Coordinator is based at each site within the network and will help coordinate the persons care across the pathway until discharge.
Major Trauma Centre Team
Patients admitted to the Major Trauma Centre following major trauma will be looked after by a multidisciplinary team.
This team can include nurses, doctors, mental health professionals, occupational therapists, neuropsychologists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and dietitians.
The type and severity of the patient’s injuries will determine which specialty teams are involved in their care. They will also receive input from the major trauma consultant, specialty consultants, major trauma advanced nurse practitioner and may be seen by the major trauma rehabilitation coordinator. The rehabilitation coordinator is responsible for coordinating care in hospital and supporting the patients discharge. They can also provide advice and support to family/ relatives throughout a patients stay.
