The National Trauma Network
NHS(S) should include the specific needs of veterans who have suffered polytrauma as part of its work in setting up a national Trauma Network.
Commissioner’s Comment – SVC will re-assess this recommendation in early 2023 along with Recommendation 9 – Funding for multiple injuries and consider merging them to recognise the current situation in Scotland and the development of a Scottish Veterans Treatment Pathway.
2019 SVC evaluation of status:
Partially implemented
2019 update provided by the Scottish Government:
The National Trauma Network referred to within responses to recommendations 8 and 9 is based around four Major Trauma Centres, and has already marked several milestones including the introduction of the Trauma App, the Trauma Desk and triage tools. These will help Scotland’s most severely injured patients, and ensure patients have the best chance of a speedy recovery from their injuries. We will consider the content of recommendations 8, 9 and 10 as part of the work going forward to develop the Network.
2020 SVC evaluation of status:
Partially implemented
2020 update provided by the Scottish Government:
The Scottish Trauma (STN) and Scottish Veteran Care Network (SVCN) teams have been discussing how to collaboratively work to support Recommendation 10. A representative from the SVCN has been invited to sit on the STN Rehabilitation working group. Initial discussions have included how to identify veterans who have been discharged from the military with specific ongoing rehabilitation needs following poly trauma in service, as well as those who have suffered physical injury as a veteran which might result in a PTSD response/other mental health needs, to ensure a holistic approach to care. It has been agreed that veterans will be a standing agenda item on the STN rehabilitation group to ensure that veterans’ needs (which may be different) are represented and considered and these conversations continue, to ensure holistic person-centred care for all.
2021 SVC evaluation of status:
Partially implemented
2021 update provided by the Scottish Government:
In May 2021, the Strategic Oversight set a priority focused on exploring the set-up of a Scottish veterans trauma network. This will involve learning from NHS England’s Veterans Trauma Network, and collaborating with the Scottish Veterans Care Network and the Scottish Trauma Network to determine what currently exists within the current Scottish landscape, how this can be built upon, what additional support is required, and the best approach in achieving this.
2022 SVC evaluation of status:
Partially implemented
2022 update provided by the Scottish Government:
The needs of veterans who have suffered polytrauma as a result of military service will be considered in the scope of the Scottish Veterans’ Treatment Pathway. This will make provisions for referrals by GPs and other clinicians to a central Scottish hub for consideration by a central multi-disciplinary team (MDT) which would meet regularly. The MDT would include surgical, medical, psychological, pain, rehabilitation, 3rd Sector and other specialists with, crucially, experience of the Armed Forces or veterans. The MDT would consider all aspects of the veteran’s injuries and where it is considered to be of clinical benefit, make referrals to the clinician in Scotland with the most appropriate understanding and expertise of the military context of the case.