Integrated care saving lives

Seriously injured people in the central North Island are surviving accidents and getting better care since the Midland Regional Trauma System (MRTS) was established two years ago.

The clinically-led system, launched in March 2010, integrates care for serious accident victims across four district health boards - Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Lakes.

Trauma care is given to seriously injured patients by specialist teams of surgeons and nurses from the first care through to recovery and rehabilitation.

Speaking at this year's MRTS symposium, Health Minister Tony Ryall said strong clinical leadership across the Midland region was ensuring patients received consistently good care after a serious accident.

"We know a patient's recovery is often linked to how quickly they get treatment - and in an emergency, that action is required within minutes.

"Rapid and precise decision-making early is key to saving lives. So are agreed best practice guidelines and a clear plan for the patient's rehabilitation afterward.

"One of the strengths of a trauma network is that clinicians in all four DHBs talk to each other regularly about the best treatment and care for trauma patients.

"Under the leadership of Grant Christey, the MRTS has gone from a small group of dedicated health professionals at Waikato Hospital, to a regional network of trauma specialists working together to give patients the best care available.

"The Christchurch earthquakes have brought into stark relief the importance of developing responsive and resilient trauma systems."

Mr Ryall says a recently-established National Major Trauma Clinical Network will work closely with successful regional networks such as MRTS to ensure the best level of trauma care is provided consistently for severely injured patients across New Zealand.