To improve and optimise the health and wellbeing of the seriously injured. Helping them, their families, each other and our nation. Pioneering clinical excellence, health intelligence, innovation, education and research.

Introduction and background

Trauma remains the fourth leading cause of death in western countries and the leading cause of death for people under 40. Each year in Scotland, around 4,000 people are seriously injured, with around 800-1,000 cases being defined as ‘major trauma’. It is estimated that each year, there are also 100 cases of major trauma in children under 16.

The Scottish Trauma Network (STN) is a bespoke, inclusive and equitable solution, which involves the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) and hospitals across Scotland – including 4 major trauma centres – working collaboratively to deliver high quality, integrated, multi-specialty care to severely injured patients. This approach will save more lives and improve patient outcomes throughout the trauma pathway – from prevention to rehabilitation – ‘Saving lives and Giving life back’.

The network will work across five facets of trauma care, from Prevention to Rehabilitation and Major Incident Planning. Each of these five dimensions of the STN will be critical in improving trauma care in Scotland and ensuring the STN delivers its aim of ‘Saving lives and Giving life back’.