This booklet aims to give you, your family, friends and carers information following your admission to the Trauma Unit at the Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI). It includes information about what has happened, what will happen, and how we can support your on-going journey to recovery.
A Trauma Unit (TU) is part of the Major Trauma Network. It is a designated hospital that provides emergency and on-going care for all except the most severely injured major trauma patients. A TU may be accessed first if a Major Trauma Centre (MTC) is further than 45 minutes away, or when stabilisation is required before being transferred to an MTC. When appropriate, patients may be transferred back from the MTC for on-going treatment and rehabilitation within their local area.
A Major Trauma Centre (MTC) is a specialist hospital responsible for the care of the most severely injured patients involved in major trauma. The MTC provides emergency access to consultant-delivered care for a wide range of specialist clinical services and expertise.
The West Yorkshire Major Trauma Network brings together Major Trauma Care across West Yorkshire. Leeds General Infirmary is the Major Trauma Centre and there are five associated Trauma Units: Bradford Royal Infirmary, Harrogate District Hospital, Pinderfields Hospital, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Airedale Hospital.
The aim of the Major Trauma Network is to make sure all patients have access to the right level of care, at the right time, in the right environment.
When you arrived at the BRI, you may have been seen by members of the Trauma Team in the Emergency Department (ED). This team is made up of an ED doctor, ED nurses and if necessary other specialists.
You may have had a variety of investigations such as blood tests, x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ECG’s etc. You may have also been given medication for a variety of reasons such as pain management, nausea and vomiting, antibiotics to prevent infection or medications to help stop bleeding.
It is not uncommon for those who are admitted due to Major Trauma to be unable to recall some of their experience. If you would like to discuss the care you have received so far including your imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI scan) and other tests, please feel welcome to do this with a member of the team.
Repatriation is the process of moving patients from the Major Trauma Centre to a hospital which is closer to their home. You may have initially received specialised care at the MTC at Leeds General Infirmary and have now been transferred back to the TU at the BRI.
Repatriation happens when your on-going care needs can be met at a local hospital or you need a further period of rehabilitation. If you have been repatriated from the MTC and you have any questions about the process, please speak to a member of the team looking after you at the BRI.
Following your admission to hospital, a multidisciplinary team will care for you. Those who may be involved within your care include but is not limited to:
Trauma Specialists
Following traumatic injury, you may be admitted to a variety of different care settings depending on your needs which can include intensive care, high dependency, ward-based care and rehabilitation centres.
Within all these areas there are nurses available 24 hours a day to provide care and support to you. The nursing team will help you with daily activities, giving medications, listening to you to support your physical and emotional needs, and coordinating your care with other service providers.
Examples of some of the uniforms of the staff who will care for you during your stay on the ward.
Physiotherapists will work with you to restore and improve movement and function when your body is affected by a traumatic injury. The physiotherapy team will assess, treat, and plan your ongoing rehabilitation needs. This rehabilitation process may be continued in hospital, in the community or in the outpatient department when you have been discharged.
Occupational therapists will work with you to help achieve your independence both during your admission and when you are discharged. They can provide education on how to manage your daily activities which may have become more difficult due to your injuries. They can also recommend and provide equipment, supportive aids, and adaptations for your home.
Following your discharge, you may have further outpatient appointments with your specialist team. This will either be locally or at the MTC depending on your injuries.
Please ask a member of the team if you are unsure or if you feel there is any specific support you may require.
Ward 28 (orthopaedics): 01274 382704
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Plaster room: 01274 364174
available Monday – Friday between 9.00am and 5.00pm
Trauma Co-ordinators: 01274 364286
available Monday – Friday between 9.00am and 5.00pm
Ward 2 (surgery): 01274 383202
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Ward 5 (surgery): 01274 364413
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Ward 3 (elderly): 01274 382303
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Emergency Department: 01274 383353
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Day One is a registered charity that supports major trauma patients. They have a vision to support everyone who is affected by physical trauma to navigate the challenges which they and their family may face without feeling alone.
Day one offers a range of support including but not limited to: emergency funding, legal services, counselling, citizen’s advice, peer support and social support.
You can find further information regarding Day One at:
https://dayonetrauma.org
0300 303 5648
dayone@dayonetrauma.org
You can contact us using the Relay UK app. Textphone users will need to dial 18001 ahead of the number to be contacted.
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a smoke-free organisation. You are not permitted to smoke or in use e-cigarettes in any of the hospital buildings or grounds.
