12 December 2011
Local people, are being invited to find out more about how patients who need emergency, life-saving care following a serious injury are treated across south west London and Surrey.
On 19 December 2011, a special event at St Helier Hospital aims to give people a real insight into the work of the hospital's busy A&E (accident and emergency) department, as well as how it links in with other nearby hospitals to provide emergency treatment.
The event is being lead by emergency medicine consultant Dr Dwynwen Roberts. Dr Roberts said: "Forget TV programmes like Casualty and Holby City - this is a chance for people to find out how a real A&E department works, and how we treat patients who need emergency, sometimes life-saving care following an injury.
"We're really keen to get local people, patients and the public involved. The afternoon will include talks on different types of trauma, such as car accidents and falls, as well as specific 'patient scenarios' to discuss how each individual would be treated.
"There will also be the chance to find out more about the different types of trauma centres and units in the area and the severity of patients they treat."
The meeting will take place on 19 December 2011, from 3pm - 5pm at St Helier Hospital. Refreshments will be provided.
For more information or to book a place, please contact Andrew Broadbent, Project Manager, on 020 8296 3554 or email andrew.broadbent@esth.nhs.uk.
A representative from those attending the meeting will also be invited to join the Trust's trauma delivery group - a panel set up to discuss how emergency care is provided for the local population, ensuring that patients who have suffered from trauma receive the best possible care.
