New trauma centre network to open across England

A network of 22 trauma centres is set to be opened across England in order to provide better treatment of serious injuries.

The specialist centres will operate 24 hours a day and seven days a week to offer high-quality care to patients with urgent problems such as head trauma, stab wounds or injuries sustained in car accidents.

To be staffed by consultant-led specialist teams with access to state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment capabilities, the new sites will ensure that emergency patients can always gain access to facilities that meet their needs.

Studies have shown that major trauma centres with dedicated personnel and specialist equipment can save more lives than regular hospitals by offering quicker response rates, while also reducing the risk of serious disabilities.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley said: "I have always said that patients should be at the heart of the NHS and that services should be arranged around their needs, not how hospitals are organised."

The government is currently preparing to instigate a wide variety of structural changes to the NHS following the passing of the Health and Social Care Act last week.