The grounds of University Hospital Wishaw (UHW) has a special new addition – the Trauma Tree.
Planted by Mr Oliver Bailey, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Jillian Duddy, Trauma Liaison Nurse, and Mr Stephen Grant, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, the Trauma Tree marks the one-year anniversary of the successful implementation of the eTrauma system across NHS Lanarkshire.
Mr Oliver Bailey, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, said: “The eTrauma system has been a game-changer for how we manage trauma care. Not only has it significantly improved our ability to provide excellent patient care, it has also markedly improved our efficiency while considerably reducing our environmental footprint.
“The Trauma Tree is a fitting symbol of our success and commitment to sustainability.”
The eTrauma system has transformed trauma care, streamlining the management of over 8,000 new referrals annually while saving an impressive 50,000 pages of printed paper each year.
This innovation not only improves efficiency but also supports environmental sustainability, an achievement symbolised by the planting of the tree.
Jillian Duddy, Trauma Liaison Nurse, said: “It’s amazing to see how the eTrauma system has enhanced patient care and communication across our sites.
“Planting the Trauma Tree is a reminder of how far we’ve come as a team and the positive impact we’ve had on both patients and the environment.”
UK National Tree Week is an annual celebration that typically marks the start of the winter tree-planting season. The event usually takes place in late November to early December, aligning with the optimal time for planting new trees in the UK.
The Trauma Tree itself tells a powerful story. With three stems, it represents the unification of NHS Lanarkshire’s three acute sites – University Hospital Hairmyres, University Hospital Monklands and University Hospital Wishaw – into a single, cohesive trauma service. This integration has made NHS Lanarkshire one of the busiest trauma units in Scotland.
Mr Stephen Grant, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, emphasised the team’s achievements: “Bringing together the three acute sites into one trauma system at University Hospital Wishaw has been no small feat. The Trauma Tree stands as a symbol of this unity and progress. It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of our teams.”
The Trauma Tree now stands proudly on the UHW grounds as a growing reminder of the team’s commitment to excellence in patient care, collaboration and environmental responsibility.
