Major trauma centre


A major trauma centre is a specialist unit within the National Health Service of the United Kingdom, set up to provide specialised trauma care and rehabilitation. They are usually found within larger hospitals in major cities which have the necessary infrastructure and staff to deal with major trauma cases.
MTCs provide emergency access to life and limb saving consultant-led care in a wide range of specialisms including anaesthetics, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, geriatricians and emergency medicine. All MTCs have an on-site CT scanner and emergency operating theatres on standby to perform immediate, life-saving surgery. All MTC's also provide consultant-led rehabilitation care, to optimise recovery at the earliest opportunity.
Major trauma is described as life-altering injury with risk of death and/or disability.
The first major trauma centre opened in England in 2012, with Scotland following in 2018, and in the same year plans were announced for the first MTC in Wales.

Major trauma centres in England

There are a total of 27 major trauma centres within NHS England, divided into three categories: adult and child; adult-only; and child-only. At first small number of pilot sites were trialled. All major trauma centres within England operate within local trauma networks, ensuring patients are treated at the most appropriate place for their injuries, but returning to care closer to home when able.
The first MTCs opened in April 2012.
Adult and childrenAdult onlyChildren only
Addenbrooke's Hospital Southmead Hospital Alder Hey Children's Hospital
James Cook University Hospital Aintree University Hospital Birmingham Children's Hospital
John Radcliffe Hospital Derriford Hospital Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
St Mary’s Hospital Hull Royal InfirmaryRoyal Manchester Children's Hospital
St George’s Hospital Northern General Hospital Sheffield Children's Hospital
Royal London HospitalQueen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
King’s College Hospital Royal Preston Hospital
Leeds General InfirmaryRoyal Sussex County Hospital
Queen’s Medical Centre University Hospital Coventry
Royal Victoria Infirmary Royal Stoke University Hospital
Southampton General HospitalManchester Royal Infirmary

Major trauma centres in Scotland

The Scottish Trauma Network operates four major trauma centres within NHS Scotland. The first was opened at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on 1 October 2018.