National Office for Trauma Services

The National Office for Trauma Services was established to oversee the implementation of the National Trauma Strategy "A Trauma System for Ireland"

The future Trauma System as set out in the National Trauma Strategy (gov.ie) will consist of two regional networks, each with a Major Trauma Centre that will manage patients with severe and multiple injuries. Within each network, a number of Trauma Units will provide definitive care for the majority of patients who do not need the specialist expertise of a Major Trauma Centre. Clear protocols and procedures, developed with the National Ambulance Service, will ensure trauma patients are brought to the appropriate facility in line with their care needs.

Watch our Patient Representative Gemma Willis telling her trauma story:

What is Trauma?

Trauma services deliver care to injured patients from injury to recovery, through prevention, pre-hospital care and transportation, emergency and acute hospital care, rehabilitation and supported discharge.

Trauma, in this context, refers to physical injuries of sudden onset and severity which require immediate medical attention. Traumatic injuries can be categorised as low severity, moderate severity or severe. Examples of low and moderate-severity injuries include soft tissue injuries and simple wrist or ankle fractures. Severe injuries, which have the potential to cause prolonged disability or death, are known as major trauma. Examples of major trauma include complex fractures, and serious injuries to the head, spine or chest.

Major trauma is the leading cause of death among children and young adults and is increasingly a cause of death among older adults. Patients with major trauma often require highly specialised care, extended hospital stays and extensive rehabilitation in both acute and post-acute settings.