Information for the public
Information and support
Information and support
At the hospital
After someone arrives at hospital with major trauma, if possible they should be asked if they would like a family member, carer or friend with them. A member of staff should also be there to provide support and answer questions.
The hospital staff should explain:
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what the injuries are
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tests and treatments the person might be having
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how long it might take them to recover from their injuries
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when or if they're likely to be able to return to their normal activities
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whether they will recover fully or might have permanent effects from their injuries.
People should have the chance to ask questions, which should be answered honestly.
Children and adults who may need extra support
If the person who is injured is a child or adult who might need extra support (for example, because they have a learning disability or dementia), a member of the hospital staff should be assigned to look after them and to contact their families or carers. If possible, parents and carers should be able to stay where the person who is injured can see them. Staff should work with family members and carers to explain injuries and treatment in a way the person with the injuries can understand. Brothers and sisters of any children who are injured should also be included when support is offered to the family.
When moving to another hospital
If a person who is injured is moving to another hospital, they should be told where they are going, why they are being moved there and who will be responsible for their care at the new hospital (including contact details). They should be given some written information about this. The name and contact details of the person who was responsible for their care at the first hospital should also be written down for them.
Hospital records
When people are moved to a ward or another hospital, their hospital records should be sent with them.
Hospital staff should write a description of the injuries, plans for treatment and how they expect the person to recover. It should include a short summary that people and their families and carers can understand. Hospital staff should send this to the person's GP within 24 hours of their admission to hospital.