Public opinion on the proposal of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital becoming a Major Trauma Centre
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Healthwatch Norfolk was commissioned by NHS England to conduct some public engagement to gauge public opinion around the proposal for the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) becoming a Major Trauma Centre and find out whether the public think anything else needs to be considered. The closest Major Trauma Centre to Norfolk by land ambulance is currently Addenbrookes in Cambridge.
Healthwatch gathered feedback through a variety of methods including a survey, running a focus group with the NNUH volunteers and conducting interviews with people with lived experience of Major Trauma Centres. They heard from 1,483 people in total.
Most respondents agreed with the proposal as long as it was properly resourced, funded, had the infrastructure in place and if it doesn’t impact existing services. The majority of survey respondents felt the proposal will have a positive impact on both themselves and the hospital.
Most survey respondents thought that something else needs to be considered if the NNUH is developed as a Major Trauma Centre, with the largest theme in responses being around the location, parking and infrastructure of the Major Trauma Centre. This suggests that NHS England should consider these concerns in the potential development of the NNUH as a Major Trauma Centre and ensure that how these concerns will be addressed is communicated to the public.
From the interviews with people with lived experience of Major Trauma Centres, both patients and visitors think they would have had a better experience if themselves or loved ones could have been treated more locally. The interviews also highlighted the need for more support for the loved ones of people admitted to Major Trauma Centres. This support could include accommodation, free parking and help in reducing financial costs.
Overall, the findings of this report suggest that most people agree with the proposal, but there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration if the NNUH is developed as a Major Trauma Centre.