by Nadia Sam-Daliri A major trauma centre for victims of serious accidents could soon open, residents at a community meeting were told. Marco Inzani, NHS Brent s head of health promotion, spoke to residents at the Willesden Area Forum, in

by Nadia Sam-Daliri

A major trauma centre for victims of serious accidents could soon open, residents at a community meeting were told.

Marco Inzani, NHS Brent's head of health promotion, spoke to residents at the Willesden Area Forum, in Dudden Hill Lane, Dollis Hill, about the proposals for a centre.

Health bosses believe newly equipped centres are crucial for saving more lives, as those involved in serious accidents who need head injury care and other specialist treatment will get it immediately.

Mr Inzani said: "Currently there are a few trauma centres in London where patients are transported by ambulance, after being taken for immediate treatment at their nearest hospital.

"The proposal is to take the patient straight to the trauma centre, increasing their chance of a good recovery.

"The nearest centre to Brent is currently the Royal London Hospital, in East London which has good facilities and is also being used a model for other centres."

Matilda Grant, of West End Close, Harlesden, said: "East London is too far. We need something closer to Brent."

Dilwyn Chambers, from Edgware, said: "Unless the medical staff here get practise working with stroke patients they won't be good at it."

Residents were asked to vote on three options for the location of the trauma centre.

One was in St Mary's Hospital, Praed Street, Paddington, another at the Royal Free Hampstead, in Pond Street, Camden and the last was to keep the centre at the Royal London Hospital, in Poplar, East London.

The over-whelming majority voted for the St Mary's site.

NHS Brent is also proposing a hyper-acute stroke unit, which will deal with more common strokes that are not a result of a major accident.

The centre, which they want to build in Northwick Park Hospital, in Watford Road, Harrow will be more equipped to deal with the immediate effects of a stroke, rehabilitation and care and would also include a specialist unit for mini-strokes, all under the same roof.

There are currently 2,000 stroke-related deaths in London every year.

To obtain a questionnaire on the future of stroke services in Brent and for more information call 0808 238 5481 or email hfl@ipsos.com.

nadia.sam-daliri@archant.co.uk