Finding the missing link

Abstract

Last month, the National Audit Office (NAO) published Major trauma care in England. Published with little fanfare, it evaluated trauma care services in England; the cost-effectiveness of planning and delivery of these services; and the quality of care, including patient outcomes. Every year in England alone, 193 hospitals manage the estimated 20 000 cases of major trauma, which although only account for 0.2% of total activity, result in over 5000 deaths. However, this fraction of clinical care costs over £3 billion in hospital treatment, as well as further care and rehabilitation.