The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, TD, today joined patients, clinicians and other healthcare professionals at the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland to formally launch of the report of the Trauma Steering Group, A Trauma System for Ireland.
Minister Harris said
“This report aims to reduce the incidence and the burden of trauma and to significantly improve the survival rate of major trauma patients, by ensuring that every patient receives the best possible standard of care in the most appropriate facility. It addresses the entire care pathway from prevention through to rehabilitation, and recommends the establishment of an inclusive trauma system with two hub-and-spoke trauma networks and up to 13 trauma receiving hospitals.”
The Minister paid tribute to the Chair of the Trauma Steering Group, Professor Eilis McGovern, for her leadership and commitment in developing the report, and welcomed the involvement of patients, clinicians and healthcare professionals in the process.
He emphasised the clear evidence underpinning the report’s recommendations:
“The report’s recommendations reflect international evidence and, importantly, translate it to the Irish context to ensure it responds to our population needs, demographics and geography and that it takes account of where we are starting from in our current services. It provides us with a comprehensive and sound foundation on which to move forward for Irish patients.”
The Minister also affirmed a commitment to capital investment for the implementation of the trauma system as part of Project Ireland 2040:
“The specific inclusion of the trauma system in Project Ireland 2040, together with the monies already provided for in the HSE’s 2018 National Service Plan to establish the National Office for Trauma Services, provide a clear signal of this Government’s intent in relation to safer care and better outcomes for trauma patients.”
Speaking at the launch, Professor McGovern said:
“Our focus throughout this development process has been on patient outcomes. Our report recognises that all stages of the care pathway, from prevention through to rehabilitation, have their own key role in supporting better outcomes. I believe the 45 recommendations included in this report will together help ensure the care provided to Irish patients is on a par with international standards.”
Mr Colm Whooley, who participated in the development of the report, spoke about his perspective as a former patient, saying:
“The most important thing from the patient’s perspective is to receive the best possible care. I welcome the report’s emphasis on better outcomes and on ensuring that those who suffer complex injuries get the right care, at the right place, first time.”
The Director General of the HSE, Mr Tony O’Brien, acknowledged the considerable work undertaken by Professor McGovern, the Steering Group members and all those involved as working group members, or who had participated in the consultation process.
“This report presents an evidence-based vision for the organisation of trauma care supported by consideration of governance, quality assurance and training and education, all of which are core to the successful implementation. I look forward to progressing the implementation of this major report through the establishment of a National Office for Trauma Services, in the interests of patients” said Mr. O’Brien.
The report of the Trauma Steering Group, A Trauma System for Ireland, was published online on 6 February on the website of the Department of Health http://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/a-trauma-system-for-ireland-report-of-the-trauma-steering-group/.