Patients died unnecessarily because establishing a centralised trauma system in the capital took too long, according to the chief executive of NHS London.
Ruth Carnall said it was vital that developing trauma networks in other regions did not take so long. She was speaking at an event marking the first year of the London trauma system - the first of its kind in the UK.
She said the nearly four years it took to set up the system to direct critically injured patients to one of four major trauma centres was “far too long”.
“We know during that time a lot of people lost their lives unnecessarily,” she said.
Results from the first six months of the scheme showed nearly 40 lives were saved. The scheme has the potential to save about 100 lives a year and prevent more people suffering lasting disability.
Introducing similar systems across England could save an estimated 450-500 lives a year, concluded the report by the London trauma office, which leads the system.
But areas trying to set up trauma networks faced big challenges, the conference heard.
National clinical director for trauma Keith Willett said funding was “probably the biggest issue” but other challenges included ensuring the provision of adequate rehabilitation services.
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