Sturgeon opens trauma centre for seriously ill

A major trauma centre to treat the most seriously injured patients in the east of Scotland has been opened by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Based at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, the centre will provide specialist care and rehabilitation to help improve patient recovery. It is the second centre to open as part of the Scottish Trauma Network, which consists of four major trauma centres located across the country.

The first centre opened last month in Aberdeen, with centres in Glasgow and Edinburgh due to open next year.

On a tour of the centre, Ms Sturgeon spoke to representatives from the Scottish Ambulance Service before meeting healthcare staff and former trauma patients.

The First Minister said: “The Scottish Trauma Network will help our most severely injured patients and ensure patients have the best chance of a speedy recovery from their injuries.

“The new centre will help those in major trauma get access to better care and rehabilitation support by specialist staff, which together will save lives and give life back.”

Clinical lead for major trauma Dr Michael Johnston said: “The major trauma service is about creating a dedicated speciality team around the patient.

“This begins at the roadside.”