RCN calls for better co-ordination of trauma networks

Published: 05 February 2010

Commenting on the Major trauma care in England report, published today (5th February) by the National Audit Office, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

“It is disappointing that trauma care is still not up to scratch in many areas despite numerous calls for improvement. It is well-known that specialist centres offer the best chance of recovery to trauma patients, however, by simply improving communication and co-operation between hospitals, survival rates would be boosted.

“To give trauma patients the best chance of survival, it is important that all nurses and healthcare staff, including those who do not specialise in trauma, have the training and skills to deal with serious injuries should the need arise.”

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Notes for Editors

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Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.