We’re excited to share details of the upcoming British Trauma Society Annual Scientific Meeting 2025, taking place on 19–20 November at the University of Edinburgh.

The programme brings together leading specialists, surgeons, and healthcare professionals from across the UK and beyond. Hosted in collaboration with the Scottish Trauma Network, the conference will showcase cutting-edge research, innovative techniques, and the latest advances in trauma management and treatment.

Highlights include:

• Keynote presentations from renowned experts in trauma care
• Pre-conference workshops (18 November) – Surgical and Emergency Trauma Skills Course and a Medicolegal Masterclass
• Networking opportunities including the conference dinner on Wednesday 19 November

This marks the first time the conference has been held in Scotland, with several speakers from the Scottish Trauma Network featuring in the programme (to be shared soon).

The conference is open to all professionals working in trauma, from ED and orthopaedics to nursing teams and AHPs. We’d love to see strong representation from the STN—whether attending, submitting abstracts, or sharing the opportunity with colleagues.

Discounted rates are available for BTS members and group bookings.

For more information and registration details visit British Trauma Society ASM 2025

Submit an abstract (31 Aug deadline)

STN colleagues are encouraged to submit an academic abstract for the conference. All work will be graded, with the best work offered an Oral Podium presentation, and the best posters offered a Poster Walk presentation session.

You can submit your abstract on the BTS ASM website, with a deadline of midnight on 31 August.

We hope to see you there.

University Hospital Wishaw (UHW) was identified as a STAG mortality outlier for 2017 – 2019 inclusive.

As a result, a high-level multidisciplinary mortality review process of all trauma deaths was conducted. This is now established as an essential part of the UHW Major Trauma annual clinical governance process.

These annual mortality reviews identified three key areas for quality improvement initiatives due to the excess mortality demonstrated:

• Frailty
• Chest wall trauma (including rib fractures)
• Cervical spine injuries not for surgical fixation

The quality improvement initiatives commenced during 2021 and coincided with the employment of the NHS Lanarkshire Major Trauma Coordinator who has driven them forward. The projects were supported by an extensive education programme for medical, nursing and AHP staff as well as continued ward support.

These interventions have led to significant improvements in mortality in both patient groups,

• Cervical spine injury mortality has reduced from approximately 14% to approximately 3% consistently.
• Rib fracture mortality has followed a similar pattern and reduced from approximately 8% to approximately 4%.

It is highly encouraging that in the STAG 2024 Annual Report, UHW were no longer Scottish mortality outliers for 2021 – 2023 inclusive. This sustained improvement in mortality demonstrated the case for an additional Major Trauma Coordinator to allow expansion of the service.