Trauma unit opens at Addenbrooke's in Cambridge

A regional centre to treat severely injured people from across the East of England has opened in Cambridge.

The Major Trauma Centre at Addenbrooke's Hospital will treat patients who would previously have been taken to local emergency departments.

Its opening marks the start of the phased implementation of a new trauma care network for the region.

The Addenbrooke's team will work with other hospitals and ambulance services to provide dedicated trauma care.

The East of England Trauma Network is one of a number of regional major trauma centres set up by the government.

It is expected to be fully operational by August.

Sharing expertise

Dr Basil Matta, director of the emergency and perioperative care division at Cambridge University Hospitals, said the centre would ensure learning and expertise would be shared.

"With the establishment of the Major Trauma Centre here at Cambridge University Hospitals, our expert team will be able to successfully treat severely injured patients from right across the region.

"This will greatly improve their chances of survival and the overall quality of their care," he said.

Addenbrooke's was chosen as the site for the new centre as the hospital is the only one in the region with a neurosurgery department, considered a necessity for major trauma units.