South Powys is set to become part of a 'major trauma network' for the treatment of serious injuries.

Patients from Brecon and Radnorshire with severe trauma injuries, such as serious head injuries or multiple injuries caused by road traffic accidents, could be transferred to a new centre at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, while Morriston Hospital in Swansea will also see upgrades to it's facilities to become a large trauma unit with a 'lead role in the major trauma network'.

Major Trauma injuries are the leading cause of death in all groups under 45 years of age and a significant cause of short- and long-term morbidity, but South Powys and South and West Wales is currently the only region of England and Wales that does not have a major trauma network or access to a designated major trauma centre. Patients from North Wales and North Powys are transferred to the West Midlands major trauma network.

The NHS says that there is a significant body of evidence that demonstrates that patients who suffer a major trauma and are treated within a major trauma network generally have better outcomes and a greater chance of survival.

The detailed recommendations were generated by an Independent Panel of experts including the Chairs and Chief Executives of the seven Health Boards in Wales and formed the basis of a 12 week public consultation exercise which ended in February.

Work on the establishment of the major trauma network included a full appraisal of the options, led by clinicians during 2015.

The Health Board Chief Executives subsequently commissioned an Independent Panel, made up of experts in trauma and rehabilitation services from across the UK, to review the information and evidence available and make a recommendation on the establishment of the network including the preferred location of a major trauma centre in the region.

The report from the Independent Panel was considered by Health Boards in January 2017 and agreement reached to proceed to public consultation on the recommendations.

The recommendations will now be considered by Health Boards across the region at their Board meetings held on March 29.