Vital Signs

Episode 1 - Major Trauma, 10 years of world class emergency care

Listen on

Episode notes

In the world of medical emergencies, Major Trauma is a term that carries immense weight. It refers to life threatening and life-altering injuries, caused by head trauma, chest injuries, abdominal damage, and fractures. More than half of the major trauma cases in the UK are caused by either road traffic collisions and falls. They happen unexpectedly and at any time of day or night - and the consequences can be truly catastrophic.

In this episode, Liz spends a day at the Major Trauma Centre (MTC) as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary - meeting the staff that are working under immense pressure to treat people who are severely injured. In the 10 years since it opened, it’s become the country’s second busiest MTC.

What sets this centre apart is its unique under-one-roof approach to patient care. As the first major multi-site hospital in the UK to adopt the model, it's created a seamless experience for patients and staff. No more running around to different locations for different services.

Here, everything you need is conveniently located on a single site meaning patients can be treated quicker and more effectively and when a patient is suffering from major trauma, speed is of the essence.