Research shows 92% of UK hospitals are failing head injury patients
Figures have been released today (17 May 2010) that show 92% of all hospitals in the UK are failing to provide patients with satisfactory written information following minor head injuries, which could lead to serious health implications and put lives at risk.
The results show just 21 of 254 A&E departments across the UK provide minor head injury patients with leaflets containing all the key information as recommended by the NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) guidelines. The figures were issued by Headway – the brain injury association, having been collected and analysed by researchers at Warwick Medical School at the University of Warwick.
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, is appalled at the findings. He said: “When people suffer any form of head injury, it is vitally important they are given high-quality, written information.
“It is deeply worrying that a patient’s welfare is influenced by the postcode they live in. Those fortunate enough to live close enough to one of the 8% of hospitals that conform to NICE guidelines can be reassured that, should they go to hospital with a minor head injury, they will be given adequate written advice to take home. However, those of us who live closer to the 92% of hospitals that don’t strictly adhere to the guidelines are at risk”.