The Need for Day One

There are around 20,000 major trauma cases in England and Wales every year and the average age of patients is just under 40 years old. Sadly around 16,000 people in England and Wales die every year following injury (according to the Trauma Audit and Research Network, 2021).

The introduction of Major Trauma Centres in 2014 vastly improved the care and clinical outcomes of this group of patients, increasing chances of survival by 19 per cent and reducing time spent in hospital.

Despite the excellent clinical care that patients receive in an NHS Major Trauma Centre, care predominantly focuses on treating the physical injuries, rather than addressing the wider impact which a major traumatic injury can have on life beyond admission to hospital, which in reality, could be changed beyond all comprehension.

A catastrophic event can change everything, with the impact of major trauma being hard to overstate. Life changing injury stops people in their tracks and they often find that their whole life, and that of their families is completely turned upside down.

People can need legal support for a whole range of issues, including injury compensation, employment rights and family matters. Financial worries can ensue due to a person’s inability to work, or the impact of injury on their work. They may require advice and support with benefits and welfare advice

The physical limitations of pain and fatigue caused by injuries can be enormous - 30 per cent of major trauma patients acquire a physical disability which may affect their ability to participate in activities they have done previously, or to undertake normal family responsibilities. Patients with pelvic injuries may experience sexual dysfunction which can put a further strain on relationships and affect wellbeing.

There is a 40 per cent increased chance of mental health difficulties following major traumatic injury, with 70 in every 100,000 patients taking their own life. Patients who receive care outside the area where they live are more at risk from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The strain that a major traumatic injury can put on to relationships is multifaceted and can include a change of identity as a person becomes a ‘patient’, or a family member becomes a carer overnight.

Day One Trauma Support provides access to a range of practical and emotional support services which can help people who have suffered a major traumatic injury to navigate the challenges that they are likely to face. We are also here for family members and carers.

Our holistic model of support provides support and signposting tailored to everyone’s needs. Compassionate and inspiring Peer Support is at the heart of Day One Trauma Support, ensuring patients feel fully supported as they begin their recovery journey.

“When you have a traumatic injury you’re vulnerable; it’s a horrible time. The peer support, in particular, has been hugely beneficial. That regular call to ask how you’re doing can give you something to look forward to and make a difference to how you feel. I’ve stopped blaming myself for what happened and now feel I have a future.” Andrew Ramsgill, Day One service user.