Trauma system aims to save lives

CHRIS HILLOCK/Waikato Times

SURVIVORS: Melisa Martin, left, and Jodin Laird, who have both experienced the new trauma system first-hand, talk to Health Minister Tony Ryall at Waikato Hospital yesterday.

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A newly established trauma system headed by Waikato District Health Board is expected to save about 21 lives a year and provide a blueprint for other trauma centres around the country.

The Midland Regional Trauma System will see Waikato DHB join forces with Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Tairawhiti and Lakes DHBs to take a collab-orative approach to patient care after major trauma.

Health specialists from around the North Island took part in yesterday's trauma system launch where clinical director Grant Christey spoke of the years of planning that had gone into the new initiative.

"This is a big day for us and the culmination of years of work from people who share a common goal of providing specialist care for patients and their families," Dr Christey said.

This new trauma system sees clinicians better co-ordinating care and treatment for patients with serious and severe injuries. Dr Christey said Midland region saw more than 5000 trauma admissions every year.

Health Minister Tony Ryall said the trauma centre could provide a blueprint for the rest of the country to follow.

"This is a case of Waikato Hospital leading the way, lifting the quality of services to the public and providing a quality of life for patients and their families following care," Mr Ryall said.

The Waikato trial had resulted in about 14 lives a year being saved, he said.

Lives such as that of Melisa Martin, who was in a car crash three years ago.

The 23-year-old was taken to Waikato Hospital with a shattered pelvis, broken ribs, ruptured kidney, bladder, ovary, liver, spleen and lung, a broken bone in her lower back and paralysis in her right leg.

"Mum was told I wasn't going to make it but Dr Christey was called in to operate at 3 o'clock in the morning and now I'm here talking to you," Ms Martin said.

She was one of the first patients to be channelled through the new trauma system. Waikato DHB chief executive Craig Climo said Waikato DHB would provide about $260,000 – the bulk of funding – while other regions would supply specialist staff.

- © Fairfax NZ News