Aberdeen leads the way for Scotland's Major Trauma Centres
Last updated 1st Oct 2018
Scotland’s flagship major trauma centre – to treat the most seriously injured patients in the North, has opened in Aberdeen.
The facility at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is the first of four major trauma centres due to open across the country – ensuring that those seriously injured get the best possible care and chances of recovery, no matter where they are.
Backed by a £15.2m Scottish Government 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:
"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, hailed the "exciting milestone" for the network.
Anne-Marie Pitt, North of Scotland Trauma Network Manager, said:
"The Network approach to the management of patients who have suffered trauma is going to be especially important to Scotland’s northern most Trauma Network where there are many remote and rural communities both on the mainland and the Islands. The network will enhance the effective coordination of person centred care from the many agencies spanning pre-hospital care, to the rehabilitation and recovery to expedite the individuals' return to independence and integration back into the community."
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.