Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
1001. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the details of the trauma centres in Ireland; the levels of same; the services provided for each; the framework for determining the level of trauma centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10319/21]
View answerThe National Trauma Strategy recommends the introduction of an inclusive trauma system, that will be delivered by two regional networks, each with a Major Trauma Centre that is linked to a number of Trauma Units. Services will be networked and co-ordinated along standardised pathways to ensure that the right care is delivered in the right place, first time. The Strategy recommends the trauma system should include one Major Trauma Centre to be based in Dublin servicing the Central Trauma Network, and another to be based in Cork University Hospital servicing the South Trauma Network.
Major Trauma Centres will provide the highest level of specialist trauma care to the most severely injured patients on a single hospital site and will act as the highest point of escalation for trauma services within their respective networks. Within each network, a number of Trauma Units will deliver more general trauma care to the majority of patients who do not need the specialist expertise of a Major Trauma Centre. Clear protocols and procedures, developed with the National Ambulance Service, will ensure trauma patients are brought to the appropriate facility in line with their care needs.
