The Northern Trauma Network is the overarching structure that supports two major trauma networks covering the North East, North Cumbria and part of North Yorkshire. The network brings together groups of services and personnel, with the aim to reduce death and disability following injury. The three overlapping phases (pre-hospital, in-hospital and rehabilitation) of a patient’s journey require organisation and collaboration so that patients are treated at the time and place that most benefits them. The Northern Trauma Network was formally established in April 2012 with the two Major Trauma Centres at Great North Trauma and Emergency Care Centre, at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle and James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. The Network also includes several Trauma Units and pre-hospital services. The Trauma Units in the Network are: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, Cramlington Sunderland Royal Hospital South Tyneside Hospital University Hospital North Durham Darlington Memorial Hospital University Hospital of North Tees Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle.

Major trauma describes serious and often multiple injuries where there is a strong possibility of death or disability, it is the main cause of death for people under the age of 45 and is a major cause of debilitating long term injuries. More than half of major trauma is caused by road traffic accidents. With the implementation of a major trauma network, there is a much better chance of surviving and recovering from a major trauma injury. Patients have direct access to specialist teams and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure they receive immediate treatment, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To support the work of the network there is a small core team , the Clinical Director of the Northern Trauma Network is Dr. Jackie Gregson and Clinical Lead Dr. Laura Duffy. More information: › General Information › Network Strategy and Vision › Network Meetings › Hospitals in Our Network › Major Trauma Rehabilitation Working together since 2012 to give a better chance of surviving and recovering from a major trauma injury The three overlapping phases (pre-hospital, in-hospital and rehabilitation) of a patient’s journey require organisation so that patients are treated at the time and the place that most benefits them. Northern Trauma Network provides this.