National Audit Office Recommends Improvements to NHS Trauma Services

12 Feb 2010

The National Audit Office (NAO) claims that hundreds of lives could be saved each year if the management of trauma cases was improved.

The NAO recommended that a nationwide network of trauma centres should be set up to avoid delays in treatment and give patients better access to expert medical staff.

There are 20,000 serious trauma cases every year in England. The NAO study found that chances of survival varies significantly between hospitals.

It is claimed that too many patients are taken to the nearest casualty department rather that to the hospital with the expertise to deal with their injuries. The NAO also found that people injured at weekends or at night are more likely to die as there is not adequate cover.

Tim Deeming, a clinical negligence specialist from Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office, said: “The NAO research is worrying as it highlights that patient safety is a postcode lottery. We need to ensure that systems are in place across the country to reduce these risks. Lessons must be learnt that changes have to be made to improve the quality and consistency of care.”

back