A MAJOR life-saving centre in Nottingham has more than doubled in size to serve people across the region.
East Midlands Major Trauma Centre, which deals with serious multiple injuries using leading health experts, has increased capacity from eight beds to 18.
Opened at the Queen's Medical Centre April 2012, the centre sees the most seriously injured patients coming to Nottingham for treatment by teams of specialists.
And the expansion, moving from Ward D9 to Ward C30, means the centre has extended its reach to cover the entire East Midlands.
Miriam Duffy, clinical lead for the centre, said: "We take great pride in delivering expert care to seriously injured patients and providing high dependency support to those who need it. We also have a team of specialists in place to provide holistic care and to look after the emotional wellbeing of patients. These include our occupational therapists, team of physiotherapists, speech therapists and psychologists.
"We currently support emergency departments and hospitals across Notts, Derbyshire and Leicestershire and look forward to rolling out our services next year."
The refurbishment means more patients with serious multiple injuries can be treated by specialists from orthopaedics, neurosurgery and radiology.
A team of rehabilitation experts is also on hand.
As part of the refurbishment, a treatment room for minor procedures such as plaster removals, dressing changes and epidurals has been introduced. Sliding doors have been built at the end of four bedded bays which can be sealed off to prevent the spread of infection. Two side rooms with en suite facilities are also available.
Henry Wade, estates and facilities project manager, said: "We are very proud that the work has been well received and the centre has opened. This has been a very significant project for us because NUH Trust hosts the only major trauma centre in the East Midlands. We hope it improves patients' experience and helps staff enhance the care they deliver to patients."
The centre deals with a range of serious injuries that could result in death or serious disability, including severe head injuries, gunshot wounds and road traffic accidents.
Jason Swift, of South Normanton, was rushed to the trauma centre last May.
The 29-year-old came off his motorbike near Matlock into the path of a car travelling in the opposite direction. Jason injured his head, broke a number of bones and his lungs stopped functioning.
He said: "If it wasn't here, I don't think I would be here – it helps a lot of people carry on living their life."
Jason was given the opportunity to open the extended centre yesterday, adding: "It was a very proud experience. It had not long been opened when I had my accident and it definitely saved my life."
