Quantification of the demand of major trauma on different specialities

Background: Cork University Hospital (CUH) is the designated Major Trauma Centre for the South Trauma Network in Ireland. Aims: To quantify the demands of major trauma patients on particular specialities during early in-hospital care in Cork University Hospital. Methods: Data was extracted from the TARN database on patients admitted to Cork University Hospital with an injury severity score greater than 15 over a two-year period. Data was analysed to establish the frequency and urgency of operative procedures. Results: 447 patients with an injury severity score greater than 15 were admitted to Cork University Hospital between 1st July 2018 and 30th June 2020. Of these, 40.3% (n = 180) required an operative procedure with 7.4% (n = 33) requiring more than one procedure and 4% (n = 18) requiring a procedure from more than one specialty. There were 226 operative procedures performed of which 18.1% (n = 41) were performed within 4 h (urgently). Neurosurgery (36.7%, n = 83) and Orthopaedics (35%, n = 79) were the two specialties required most frequently. Neurosurgery (78%, n = 32) were required most frequently for urgent procedures. Conclusions: There is notable variation in the demands placed on different specialities in the management of major trauma patients at Cork University Hospital which may have implications on the planning of a major trauma centre for the south of Ireland.