§ Dr. Richard TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many major trauma casualties could be received and treated simultaneously at hospitals in Worcestershire and neighbouring areas. [11189]
§ Mr. HuttonThe ability of hospitals to respond to major trauma is dependent on a number of factors. Within each hospital the ability to receive such casualties will depend on the number of resuscitation bays and intensive care units (ICU) beds available.
Only hospitals that have adequate facilities such as resuscitation, theatres, ITU and clinical expertise should receive major trauma. Currently in Worcestershire there are:
spaces for up to 12 patients and two resuscitation bays at the Alexandra Hospital,spaces for up to seven patients and three resuscitation bays at Worcester Royal Infirmary.There is the potential for spaces for up to 20 patients and four resuscitation bays in the new hospital in Worcester, due to open in April next year.
Worcestershire's major incident plan has escalation procedures to involve other sectors of the health and social services locally, and in surrounding areas. The Hereford and Worcestershire Ambulance Service National Health Service Trust would work in collaboration with local and surrounding acute hospitals and neighbouring ambulance trusts to ensure that patients are taken to the nearest appropriate facility.