James Cook University Hospital became a paediatric major trauma centre in 2012 and is one of sixteen childrens’ major trauma centres in the UK. This means that this hospital has doctors and nurses with expertise in looking after children with significant injuries.
What we do
If your child has experienced a major trauma the ambulance service will bring your child to James Cook University Hospital rather than other local hospitals. Causes of major trauma might include road traffic incidents, falls or burns.
Once your child has arrived in Emergency Department (ED) they will be assessed by our designated Trauma Team and stabilised. The team is made up of ED Doctors, ED Nurses, Surgeons, Anaesthetists and Paediatricians. Any tests that are needed are carried out, including X-rays, CT scans and blood tests.
The type of injury(s) that your child has sustained will determine which speciality then looks after your child. Teams that might be involved include Orthopaedics, Maxillofacial, Plastics, Ophthalmology, Ear Nose and Throat, Neurosurgery or General Surgery. The Paediatric team are also usually involved to oversee and help co-ordinate care.
Your child will then be moved from the Emergency Department to either theatre for surgery or to one of the Paediatric wards (Paediatric critical care unit, ward 21 or ward 22) for definitive or on-going care.
Rehabilitation
Once admitted to the Paediatric ward your child will continue to receive input from the specialty teams involved in their care. This will include regular reviews on the ward and treatment and rehabilitation provided by the nurses and doctors and members
of the therapy teams if required.
This can include Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Speech and Language Therapy.
Experiencing trauma can have a significant impact on both the child concerned and their family. It is not unusual for a child to be anxious or distressed or show a change in behaviour. Psychological support will be provided if needed for your child whilst on the ward and after discharge.
Your child will have a rehabilitation prescription completed which highlights your child’s injuries, treatments and therapy needs. This document will be discussed with yourself and shared with all those involved in your child’s care.
Rehabilitation aims to:
- Reduce any difficulties your child may have after their injury
- Help your child increase movement and strength
- Support your child to return to their usual activities following a trauma injury
You and your child will be visited by our major trauma rehabilitation co-ordinators. Their job is to assist in making sure that your child’s stay in hospital runs as smoothly as possible and act as a point of contact for the child and the family.
Discharge home
Whilst your child is in hospital we will be making plans to get them home as soon as they are well enough. Once ready for discharge, we will ensure that they have further follow up from the medical teams involved in their care as required and also are referred to the appropriate community services.
- Paediatric Trauma Lead: Mr David Ferguson
- Paediatric Trauma Rehabilitation Lead: Dr Maeve O’Sullivan
- Major Trauma Rehabilitation Co-ordinator: Christina Hartley and Kerry Thornton
Contact details: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]
The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW.
Telephone: 01642 850850
